Transition to Kindergarten Parent Guides: Selecting Full or Half-Day Kindergarten, Which Is Best for My Child?

Michigan law requires all school districts to offer a program for all children who will be 5 on or before December 1. This program does not have to be traditional kindergarten. For example, 5-year-olds may be served in a mixed age classroom with other children. Programming for 5-year-olds must be available for at least one-half of the hours of the other grades.

Districts may choose different schedules.

• Morning or afternoon sessions
• Full-day sessions
• Alternate full-day sessions

Regardless if your child is in full day kindergarten or a single session with connecting child care, you will want to assure yourself that the settings provide lots of experiences for active play and learning suited to the child, along with ample opportunities to rest and relax.

Some schools offer before- and after-school child care. There is usually a cost. The benefit is that the child can stay in one place for the whole day.

• Schools may have limited openings in their full-day choice of kindergarten with connecting child care.
• A child care license from the Department of Human Services (DHS) should be displayed in the classroom or office when before-or after-school care is in place.

Schools cannot charge for kindergarten. They may charge for that part of the day which is considered before- or after-school child care.

• Parents should know they are paying for child care and not for kindergarten.
• Parents may have to pay a fee if they want their child in a full-day program of kindergarten and connecting child care.