Full-Day Kindergarten

    Full-Day Kindergarten is a developmentally appropriate program, designed specifically for five year olds. In Ohio, a child who is five years old on or before September 30th of a school year is eligible for kindergarten. Columbus Public Schools instituted full-day kindergarten in all of its elementary schools over a two year period, beginning September 1992.

    The full-day kindergarten program provides a varied curriculum, greater opportunities for the instructional team to work with the children on a one on one basis, more enrichment  activities and longer blocks of time for more meaningful, uninterrupted experiences.

What Children Learn

    Children learn many things in kindergarten. A developmentally appropriate program has children involved in active learning. With a strong focus on literacy, children are given the foundation for learning to read and write. The reading and sharing of books is an integral part of the kindergarten curriculum, and as a result of daily reading, writing and sharing of good literature, children develop a love of books and are eager to learn to read. Through concrete / hands-on experiences, children learn Math , Science, and Social Studies. In addition to the basics, kindergarten students engage in music, drama, art and movement as a way to develop the "whole" child - cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically.

   Goals and Objectives of the Full-Day Kindergarten Program

    The main goal of the full-day kindergarten program is that of increased academic achievement for all of its students. All students are expected to learn and to develop to their full potential. It is believed that given an appropriate curriculum for children, a stimulating learning environment, developmentally appropriate materials, equipment and supplies, a competent, caring instructional staff (teacher and instructional assistant), and supportive parents, all kindergarten students will be able to learn and be successful. The instructional staff views the child as a competent individual and works with the child in this manner. Although emphasis is placed on "academic achievement," it is believed and understood that the child is a "whole" person, and all areas of development are important and must be fostered.

   Parent Involvement

    Parents are viewed as partners in the educational process Their input and involvement play an important role in ensuring their child's success in school. Parents are expected and encouraged to be active participants in their child's education. Many options for involvement are provided to them: parent as classroom volunteer, parent as resource person, parent as advisory council member, parent as coordinator/planner of field trips, room parties, etc., parent as mentor to other parents, and parent as coordinator of telephone tree (responsible for calling and communicating with other parents about the kindergarten program).

    Registration Requirements

    Parents are encouraged to register their children early, prior to the first day of school in August. Kindergarten Round-Up Month for Columbus Public Schools is the month of May. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and register their child for kindergarten anytime during this month. Registering your child during this time can help you get off to a good start by starting off early. It can also help you and your child make a smooth transition into kindergarten.

    Children are to be registered at the school they will be attending. Parents who do not know what school their child will attend can obtain this information by calling FACTline (221-3228). This line operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. weekdays.

    To register a child for kindergarten, the parent or legal guardian must provide a copy of the child's birth certificate, proof of residence and proof of required immunizations: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. Also, proof of custody is required from parents who have ended their marriage through divorce or dissolution, or if the child's last name is different than that of the parent or legal guardian.