SD20 > Programs & Services > Full Day Kindergarten

Full Day Kindergarten

Full day kindergarten for all kindergarten students was implemented in School District No. 20 in the 2011-2012 school year.

Full day learning is associated with improved reading and numeracy, smoother transitions to grade 1, and overall greater success in school.

Full day kindergarten enables teachers more time to deliver the Kindergarten Program, and to give their students more individual attention.

The Kindergarten Program: Play is Children's Work

Research shows that a play-based kindergarten program helps children to succeed in school and in life. Experiences children have in early childhood shape future learning habits. It is through play that children make sense of the world. Play is children's work: it is a time to imagine, explore, build and try out ideas. So, when your child comes home from school and answers the question, "So, what did you do at school today?" with the response, "We just played!", know that the play he is referring to is purposeful and intended to support and nurture his learning.

Kindergarten and Beyond: The Primary Program

The BC Primary Program provides a framework for educators to foster the continuing growth of children's knowledge and understanding of themselves and their world. It affirms the need for a safe, caring, stimulating environment where learning for each student flourishes.

Areas of development in the Primary Program include:
     ~ Aesthetic and Artistic Development
     ~ Emotional and Social Development
     ~ Intellectual Development
     ~ Physical Development and Well-Being
     ~ the Development of Social Responsibility

Teachers and parents are partners in the child's education. They consult and collaborate to create for the child a climate of respect, success and joy necessary for life-long learning.

Full Day Kindergarten Q & A

Question

I'm not sure my child is ready for a full day of school. Who do I talk to?

Answer

The full day program has been designed with consideration for the age of Kindergarten students, and the program will ensure that our youngest learners are not overly taxed with a full day at school. Parents do, however, have some discretion regarding their child's attendance in the full day program, and should contact their school principal and Kindergarten teacher to discuss if they have concerns or questions. Parents should note, though, that should they exercise discretion regarding their child's attendance in the full day program, their child may miss learning opportunities and some of the individual attention the full day program provides.

More information

For more information on full day Kindergarten, you can:

~ talk to the Principal of your neighbourhood school
~ talk to the current Kindergarten teacher of your neighbourhood school
~ visit the Ministry of Education website at:  http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/fdk/
~ conact the School District #20 Board Office (250-368-6434)

Ministry of Education Information

Ministry of Information Full Day Kindergarten Information:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/fdk/