Eliminating the need for noon bus trips and crossing guards saves the school system money Availability of classroom space and teachers. In addition, school districts are interested in responding to parents' requests for full-day kindergarten. These costs may or may not be offset by transportation savings and, in some cases, additional state aid. Other requirements of full-day kindergarten, including the use of more classroom space, may be difficult to satisfy in districts where kindergarten or primary grade enrollment is increasing and school buildings have been sold. In addition to citing added expense and space requirements as problems, opponents argue that full-day programs may become too academic, concentrating on basic skills before children are ready.
Many educators still prefer half-day, everyday kindergarten.
They argue that a half-day program can provide high quality educational and social experience for young children while orienting them adequately to school. Even if provided, schools may find the extra trip expensive. In addition, the half-day kindergartner may have little opportunity to benefit from activities such as assemblies or field trips. The length of the school day is only one dimension of the kindergarten experience. Other important issues include the nature of the kindergarten curriculum and the quality of teaching.