Where I live, we have always had half day kindergarten. However, this year our school system came up with the idea of full day kindergarten, which at first, i thought was a good idea. They said that this option was completely optional, however, it would cost $15 a day!!! I forget the exact numbers but it was like somewhere around $250 a month! I didn't send my daughter to pre-school, so I though that full day would be good and i would love to send her, but being a 17 year old single Mom, I just can't see how I could afford it. Has anybody ever heard of this? Am I taking this the wrong way?
Are you in a public school? Many public schools are going to full day becasue of the curriculum demands- hard to fit in 1/2 day. Some things to think about: Is the full day option really just after-care and not kindergarten? How many additional hours is it outside of the school hours? If it's not required, seems like day care- not 'kindergarten', and is cost prohibitive, I would skip. Do you need her in school for those hours- will you be paying someone anyway to watch her- if so see which works better for you money wise.
The school I taught at had full day (only one around here), but doesn't "charge" extra for it. It is actually a money saver if they are here all day instead of bus runs for half day. I was quite surprised to see there was a fee. I do agree czacza, if you're going to pay someone to watch her which will benefit your child more. The other thing is she "ready" for kindergarten. Good Luck with your decision!!!
Tara, keep in mind things can change over the next few years. (I thought your baby is just over 1 year old??) We have had full-day kindergarten here for many years, and there is no fee for it.
