I Want My Child in Full Day Kindergarten

Hi. I know that there are some daycares that offer full day Kindergarten. It would cost you money vs going to public school, but then you'd either need to quit your job or have afternoon daycare anyway. If they attend a private Kindergarten, when its time for first grade, they can take a test to show the school system that they are ready for 1st grade, and then you skip public Kindergarten all together.
I know that Minnieland, and Children of America have private Kindergarten classes in their daycares. I think Chesterbrook Academy does also.
Good luck
M.

Schools are making it harder to pupil place your child to avoid half day kindergarten although having a caregiver in the full day district used to work. An alternative would be using the school's SAC program (School after Care?)which probably has a choice of after kindergarten through the end of the school day or staying until the close at 6 or so. Many parents are happy with these programs which operate very much like a good kindergarten and the kids like the extra time to play with friends.

There are waiting lists at many schools so call now so you know the deadlines and have a backup if you can't find another way.

Hi! I wonder if your child is supposed to go to Oak View because that's the same scenario that I'm in! I've heard you can attend whatever school you want but have to provide transportation and reason for not attending your assigned school. I wld call the school you want him to attend and direct the question to them. My daughter also attended preschool and loved it, she didn't seem to have any problems switching to kindergarten..afterall they're mostly playing:) Good luck. I'd like to meet you if you have interest in doing so, especially if we live so close. Perhaps I cld help you out! Thanks!
D.

You can apply to a different school to be pupil placed for the purposes of all day kindergarten; however you would then be responsible for transportation - no buses are provided for pupil placed kiddos.

The other option is sending him to the half day kindergarten, but then putting him in SACC (school based child care). They would then have him attend kindergarten class in the morning, then at the same school the kids move into a "daycare-like" situation. The kids still eat lunch in the cafeteria, play outside on the recess equipment, etc - but he'd have a different "teacher" for the afternoon. Take a look at the Fairfax County website (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/Sacc.htm) to learn more about this.

I also had a friend that sent her daughter to a Montessori based all day kindergarten program (at her own expense). She thrived there and was more than prepared for first grade in the public school.

Good luck with your decision.

MM,

if it were me, i'd look into a private school scenerio over 1/2 day kindergarten. Especially if transfering her to a differnt public school would mean PAYING Tuition.

I think I'd be happier with the results than a 1/2 day in class and 1/2 day after care.

Our 3 yr. old just started K3 at a private day school and we're already discussing the options for when she gets older!

Best of luck ~ Trust your instincts.