Full day kindergarten is great....
if the child is used to being farmed off to daycare, joyschool, pre-school etc.
if the monther works and doesn't want to pay for daycare
if the child is used to being babysat by the television

But if you care about your child...it's bad.

I'm wondering about all the people who don't like full day kindergarten. We in Utah are now only just catching up with the rest of the world. In Germany, for instance, they have school on Saturdays too. Children are adaptable, life will go on whether or not 5 year olds are expected to be in school all day. I care about my children and when they were little I did not work outside of the home, but half day kindergarten was a waste of theirs and my time. No sooner did they get settled in and begin learning but it was time to go home. Let's give the children some credit - they are capable and don't need to be treated like babies!!!

Perhaps the children not able to deal with the full day schedule are the ones not socially ready for Kindergarten. If they have been sheltered and never placed in a pre-school outside the home, they may have trouble with long days away from mom.
All my children have wanted to go to school long before they turn 5 years old. They are comfortable with me leaving them at pre-school because they know I will return. They know I will love them and play with them when I do return. They are ready socially, emotionally and educationally for Kindergarten before they are old enough to attend. It is a matter of preparing the child for what the future brings. Do it with excitement and they will too. They will follow your lead.

Ali May, I think you misunderstood. I did not suggest every family pull their kids out of public school, only that every family should homeschool. Too many leave all the teaching to the public school. Public schools are a resource for learning; they should not be the only source. We should all spend time with our children teaching and reinforcing educational concepts.

I am a kindergarten teacher right now with 44 students (22 in each session). I know how exhausting it is for the kids and adult, but how wonderful it is too, to see their progress. I am moving to a school with extended day K, and I am looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully I may include the many things that we rarely can get to considering all we have to cover due to time and the state's core curriculum. I would be thrilled to do some project approach activities that require more time and space. We will see. BUT, I think the whole crux of the matter is choice, choice, choice. I agree with Ali May. Do what is best for you and your family!

For those of you who say you are a stay at home mom, how do you let those little children be part of a classroom all day as a 1st grader.
Those children need their mother or father during the day more than school.
Keep them at home and teach them yourself.
You are just as capable as the teacher to teach them whats needed for 1st grade.
I personal could have never parted with my child all day when they were that young. It was hard enough when they went to 1st grade.
I tell my preschool parents to hang on to the child as long as possible.
Your going to wake up want day and miss the fat chubby hand you once held.
You take charge and be there when they learn something and be part of the discovery.