Full Day Kindergarten

Recent news articles regarding Full Day Kindergarten reminded me of the time many years ago when others and I worked with our school board in another community to successfully implement a half day public kindergarten program. We, too, were regarded as socialists, communists, and given labels unfit for print. Now we see the same mindset of those who would oppose a full day kindergarten setting as part of the equation for quality education for Montana's kindergarten students.

I wish to be included with parents, school administrators, wise legislators, and others who support such effort. Times have changed and the curriculum for the young learners is more demanding with limited time of the half day. Research has shown that test results indicate that children in full day programs, on average, make greater gains in both reading and math skills enabling them to be better prepared for first grade. That is why today many states provide full day programs in their schools.

Many students are not necessarily arriving from their homes or leaving to go home before and after school. Quite often they are shuttled to and fro by bus or day care providers, many of whom are caring and responsible. However, I believe this can be stressful for the children while interfering with their learning.

A full day kindergarten would allow the teaching of the core curriculum when the children are most alert followed by time for a more relaxed, creative, and literary setting to stimulate further learning. Children with individual needs could be given special attention by teachers with the extra time provided. One only has to visit a classroom to understand the quality of learning that takes place in our public kindergartens.

I would urge those of you who support a full day kindergarten (HB 47) to contact your legislators today.

Nancy Van Natta

Kalispell, Mt