Skip To Main Content

Header Holder

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

Full-Day Kindergarten

Philosophy:

The D181 philosophy for full-day kindergarten embraces a rigorous academic foundation while recognizing the crucial role of purposeful play in the learning process. Foundational skills will be developed and strengthened in literacy, numeracy, science, social science, technology, fine arts, as well as gross and fine motor. We believe in fostering a holistic educational experience that integrates play-based activities seamlessly with established kindergarten learning standards. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate not only academic excellence but also the essential social, emotional, and problem-solving skills that contribute to a well-rounded and resilient foundation for lifelong learning.

Mission:

Fostering a foundation of lifelong learning, our mission is to provide a full-day kindergarten program that seamlessly promotes academic excellence and social-emotional well-being. We are dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of each child, cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and social skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Through a balanced and comprehensive approach, we empower young learners to thrive academically and emotionally, preparing them for success in future years.

Vision:

Our vision is to create a dynamic and inclusive full-day kindergarten program that becomes a cornerstone for early childhood educational excellence. We aspire to cultivate a community of curious, resilient, and socially adept learners. Through collaborative efforts among students, families, and educators; we aspire to provide a nurturing environment that ignites a passion for learning and builds a solid foundation for future success in education and life.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Full-Day Kindergarten in D181

What does the full-day kindergarten program in D181 offer? Full-day kindergarten is an opportunity for students to experience the existing rigorous and engaging D181 curriculum that comprises our current half-day program with greater opportunities for engagement, inquiry, extension, and differentiation as well as social-emotional learning and purposeful play. The kindergarten program is aligned with the Illinois State Standards for kindergarten. Students will build early literacy and math skills, enjoy expanded opportunities for science, social studies, physical education, art, music, library, and STEAM, as well as enjoy play as a mode and expression of learning. Our full-day experience for students will provide a rigorous yet fun and engaging experience designed to foster a lifelong love of learning. 

What are the benefits of full-day kindergarten? Full-day kindergarten offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Enhanced academic learning & achievement: More time for instruction and practice.
  • Improved social-emotional skills: Opportunities for interaction and collaboration with peers.
  • Stronger foundation for future learning: Early exposure to various subjects and skills.
  • Increased self-confidence and independence: Extended time in a structured learning environment.

What are the hours of full-day kindergarten? The hours mirror a standard academic day in our elementary schools, 8:40-3:05, Monday-Friday, with a 50-minute lunch and recess break. To provide for a consistent educational program, a standard five-day attendance commitment, Monday-Friday is required for all kindergarten students.

What about half-day kindergarten? Can my child attend half-day? We will offer a half-day option at all seven elementary schools. Parents have the option to select a half-day program for their child. However, we strongly recommend full-day enrollment to provide the best opportunity for engaging in all kindergarten learning standards. Midday busing, however, is not available for half-day programming. Full-day and half-day students will be enrolled in a full-day classroom and be assigned to an a.m. or p.m. section. Requests cannot be granted for preference. Principals work closely with families to ensure academic needs are addressed.

How does full-day kindergarten differ from half-day kindergarten? Full-day kindergarten provides more instructional time and opportunities for deeper learning. It allows for a more balanced curriculum, including time for both academic subjects and social-emotional development. The instructional minutes for the full-day program can be found here. The half-day program will include literacy and numeracy instruction. Half-day schedules will be set by the building principal. 

What is the curriculum for full-day kindergarten? Our full-day kindergarten program follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education. We believe in fostering a holistic educational experience that integrates purposeful play centers seamlessly with established kindergarten learning standards.

What is the daily schedule for a full day? A sample schedule can be found here. Each elementary building has a unique schedule based on the size of the school, the number of grade-level sections, and staffing. This sample provides the allocation of minutes for each content area. 

What is the teacher-student ratio in full-day kindergarten? Our class sizes are designed to ensure that each child receives individual attention. Once registration is complete, we will share the teacher-student ratio for the district.