Preschool plays a valuable part in your child’s development. It can be equal parts scary and exciting to begin this journey of your child’s life. That said, you want to pick the right program for your kid.
There are half-day and full-day programs at preschool facilities. Both come with pros and cons, meaning you need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. Half-day programs last three to four hours while full-day preschool is about six and a half hours per day.
Full-day preschool programs give your child more time to learn and socialize. On the other hand, half-day programs are better for shy children who might need an easier transition into time away from their caregivers. Both types of programs can have positive effects on young children who are getting ready for the demands of early education and elementary school.
What is Half-Day Preschool?
Half-day pre-K programs last about three to four hours per day. They might take place in the morning or the afternoon depending on the program. They offer kids a preschool experience without lasting a full day, offering more time with caregivers before kindergarten and elementary school begin.
You can expect a half-day preschool program to include:
- A welcome activity and breakfast or lunch depending on the start time
- Circle time where students gather for a structured activity or lesson
- A center activity where students choose what topic, skill, or craft they want to complete
- Snack time and group clean-up
- Supervised outside playtime
- Storytime is where students gather to listen to the teacher read aloud and learn literacy skills.
After these activities, the half-day will end and you will pick up your child for the day. During half-day preschool, your child will learn literacy, math, emotional, social, and learning skills. That said, there is less time for educational skills during half-day programs.
Pros and Cons of Half-Days
The pros of half-day preschool include a shorter day which allows your child to spend more time with you before they begin kindergarten. Additionally, having a short schedule is better for children who might be shy or need an easier transition into the school setting.
The con of a half-day school is less time to learn educational and social skills. While your child will still get an introduction to reading, math, social, and motor skills, they will have less time to go in-depth when compared to a full-day program.
What is Full-Day Preschool?
Full-day preschool lasts about six and a half hours per day. It begins in the morning around 9 am and is completed sometime around 3 pm, much like a normal kindergarten class. Each program’s start and finish times may vary.
During a full-day preschool program, your child will engage in the same activities and skills as a half-day program. The only difference is that they will spend more time on each activity than they would in a shorter program.
Additionally, there is a scheduled nap time during a full-day program, which can help your child develop a healthy routine. There will also be more meals provided during full-day programs because of the extra time spent in the classroom.
Pros and Cons of Full-Days
The pros of a full-day program include:
- Longer days allow children more time to explore educational activities
- Increased ability to develop a daily routine similar to full-day kindergarten
- More time to socialize with other children and develop important interpersonal skills
- More time for parents and caregivers to work during the day
The only con of a full-day program is that it might be difficult for children ages 2 to 4 to adjust. They might not be emotionally prepared for a full day away from their caregivers.
Is Half-Day or Full-Day Preschool Better?
Early childhood research suggests that full-day preschool is more beneficial than half-days. According to the study, “the extra school hours improved how children performed in assessments of vocabulary, literacy, math, and more.”[1] Full-day programs simply give your child more time to develop skills like math and reading before they begin kindergarten.
That said, some children might do better in a half-day. Half-day programs provide an easier transition to spending time in a social and educational setting. If you believe this is something your child might struggle with, half a day might be the better option.
There is no correct answer to which program your child should attend. If you are having trouble deciding between the two choices, you can always contact Little Sunshine Preschool for a consultation. We can assess your child and situation to determine which program is the best fit.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Preschool
If your child is nearing the age of pre-K, it’s time to start considering your options. Preschool is vital in helping your child learn the emotional, social, and educational skills necessary to thrive in a kindergarten environment.
Contact Little Sunshine Preschool today to learn more about half-day and full-day pre-K programs.
References:
- University of Colorado Boulder: Full-day pre-K beats half-day, first-of-its-kind study shows
