Kindergarten Options
At McAuliffe Elementary
Lake Washington Elementary schools offer two kindergarten options to best suit the needs of your child and your family. During this 2005-2006 school year, there has been two AM half-day class, one PM half-day class, two All-Day classes and one Multi-Age K-1 class. Expectations for all students are based on the District's Student Profile.
Half-day classes are available to all families free of charge. Students are assigned to the AM or PM session depending on geographical area for bus routes. Parents may have the opportunity to request a particular session based on space availability, although they must provide their own transportation. Students attend 2.5 hours and transportation is provided one-way at the noon hour.
Full-day classes are offered to families for an additional charge (Fee waivers are available). The full-day program offers additional instruction time, increased teacher contact time and more exposure to activities. This is not an accelerated program. Curriculum content is the same for both the full-day and the half-day programs. Full-day classes have more time to extend activities and explore with less time constraints. Students also benefit from participating in additional specialist classes, recesses and the lunch program. Full-day programs are advantageous for students who are used to attending preschool for extended lengths of time and have developed skills quicker and might need additional challenges. Full-day programs are also helpful to students who might need additional time in school to acquire basic academic and social skills. Every student is unique. Carefully consider your options based on the individual needs of your child. Additional guidance and information can be provided for you by contacting our school.
If you still have questions regarding the all-day and half-day kindergarten programs, you can view the district video at registration on Thursday, March 2, 1 PM—7 PM. Staff will be available to answer questions.
Advantages & Disadvantages
| Possible Advantages For: | Full-Day
|
Half-Day | ||
|
The Child
|
More chances for participation, individualization for all children, and identification & support for at-risk students Increased opportunity to participate in total school experience (special events, remedial programs, & enrichment activities) More contact with teacher More exposure to activities that will develop skills /concepts |
The most gradually orientation to school Child who has difficulty being separated from parents may adapt more readily Provides time for families to meet enrichment needs
|
||
|
The Parents
|
Additional opportunities to be involved in the classroom Professional childcare throughout most of the day decreases childcare expenses for working parents More communication time with teacher may be possible due to fewer students / parents |
Opportunities to be involved in the classroom Parents who plan to spend more time with their child can do so
|
||
|
The School
|
Additional exposure to curriculum Utilization of empty classrooms in low enrollment schools Greater efficiency of scheduling Less isolation of kindergarten program & teacher; more teaming possibilities Elimination of additional bus run Enrollment increase when children in private full-day kindergarten transfer to public schools |
Fewer teachers required
Less space, equipment & supplies
|
|
Possible Advantages For: |
Full–Day |
Half-Day |
|
The Child |
More chances for participation, individualization for all children, and identification & support for at-risk students
Increased opportunity to participate in total school experience (special events, remedial programs, & enrichment activities)
More contact with teacher
More exposure to activities that will develop skills /concepts |
The most gradual orientation to school
Child who has difficulty being separated from parents may adapt more readily
Provides time for families to meet enrichment needs |
|
The Parents |
Additional opportunities to be involved in the classroom
Professional childcare throughout most of the day decreases childcare expenses for working parents
More communication time with teacher may be possible due to fewer students / parents |
Opportunities to be involved in the classroom
Parents who plan to spend more time with their child can do so |
|
The School |
Additional exposure to curriculum
Utilization of empty classrooms in low enrollment schools
Greater efficiency of scheduling
Less isolation of kindergarten program & teacher; more teaming possibilities
Elimination of additional bus run
Enrollment increase when children in private full-day kindergarten transfer to public schools |
Fewer teachers required
Less space, equipment & supplies |
| Possible Disadvantages For: | Full-Day
|
Half-Day | ||
|
The Child
|
Less mature children may be frustrated due to length of day
Adjustment to school may be more difficult |
Limited instructional time
Assignment to morning or afternoon group may be problematic for child
Limited exposure to specialists & special events |
||
|
The Parents
|
Parents who prefer to spend more time at home with their child may feel pressured to apply for the full-day
Program Tuition based |
Parents schedule is restricted due to short school day
Possible childcare costs |
||
|
The School
|
More space, equipment, & supplies necessary
More teachers required |
Transition time (i.e. getting started & preparing to leave) reduce instruction time
Teachers often have two classes
|
|
All Day Kindergarten Sample Day
8:50 Student may arrive on campus 8:55 First Bell – Doors Open 9:00 Tardy Bell – Attendance & Early Work 9:30 Calendar Bunch / Story & Song 10:00 Kindergarten Recess / Snack 10:15 Lesson / Choosing Time 11:00 Lunch 11:30 Specialist 12:00 Primary Recess 12:30 Rest 1:00 Lesson / Activity 2:00 Primary Recess / Snack 2:20 Lesson/Activity 3:15 Pack Up & Closure 3:30 Dismissal 3:35 Busses Depart
|
AM / PM Sample Day
8:50 / 12:45 Student may arrive on campus 9:00 / 12:50 Tardy Bell – Attendance - Calendar 9:30 / 1:15 Writing Workshop 10:00 / 1:45 Snack / Recess 10:15 / 2:00 Story or Lesson 10:30 / 2:15 Reading Workshop 11:10 / 2:45 Songs 11:30 / 3:15 Pack up 11:40 / 3:30 Dismissal 11:43 /3:35 Busses Depart
|