Alameda Unified to Offer Full Day Kindergarten in 2016-17

ALAMEDA, CA: The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) announced today that it plans to offer a full-day kindergarten program at its elementary schools starting in the coming school year, 2016-17.

The current kindergarten program runs from 8:20 am to12:45 p.m.or 1:40 pm (depending on the day). The new full day kindergarten program will increase those hours for family and student benefit.

“Current research shows that full-day kindergarten programs help close the achievement gaps between children from different backgrounds,” said Superintendent Sean McPhetridge. “The research also shows that these programs confer significant social, emotional, and academic benefits on all kindergarteners. Providing such a solid foundation to our youngest students is a priority for this district and aligns with my personal goal of expanding early childhood education programs in AUSD.”

“The Board of Education and I are committed to doing all we can to support rigorous and challenging learning environments as envisioned under Common Core,” McPhetridge continued. “We are confident full day kindergarten and increased early childhood education opportunities will help all children succeed.”

The district will release details about the expanded kindergarten program later this spring. Transitional kindergarten will continue to be a half-day program.

“We are so excited AUSD plans to offer a full-day kindergarten next year,” said Solana Henneberry, president of the AUSD Board of Education. “I feel strongly, as an educator and a parent, that this is the right thing to do for our community, our students, and our families.”

Kindergarten enrollment is now open for all schools in the Alameda Unified School District. Information about how to enroll is available here.

Announcement submitted by Alameda Unified School District

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