Brandon Twp.- Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be and more changes may be in store.
For the past several years, academic expectations have risen in the state for all students, including the youngest ones, and now, the time spent in school for kindergarteners may also be increasing.
The school board will consider, likely at their February board meeting, a proposal to have most kindergarteners attend school all day, every day. Currently, eight of the nine kindergarten classes meets all day on alternate days. The ninth classroom is a half-day every day program and would remain so under the proposal.
‘There are a couple reasons we’re looking at doing this,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘It’s very much supported by increased kindergarten expectations. Academically, the state expects more out of kindergarteners. Also, the state is considering reducing funding for half-day programs? if we switch to full day, they might fund all of it.?
McMahon will meet with elementary school principals to discuss space and the number of teachers needed before bringing a recommendation to the board. Currently, there are three part-time kindergarten teachers and three full-time teachers. She said the proposed full-time schedule for kindergarteners is very much supported by teachers. That includes Cindy Locey, a Belle Ann kindergarten teacher.
‘Contact time and consistency in schedule will be of great benefit to students if they go to a full day every day,? Locey said. ‘If we are to meet all the state objectives, we need to see them more and consistently. In the last five years, there is a significant shift in the curriculum as far as what we need to have them accomplish in a year.?
She conceded that for some children it may be a very long day, but she notes children adapt quickly and the teachers will modify the afternoons in the beginning of the school year.
Locey noted that full-time kindergarten is a trend in the state, and is also more convenient for working parents, with a more consistent schedule.
‘Consistently seeing the kids is of great value,? she said.