Newell School District will be making the transition to full day Prekindergarten, focusing on the development of four- and five-year-olds. Switching to this option will provide greater gains in school readiness, language, math, and social-emotional skills. According to a study by Education Week, a little more than 3% of students who had participated in full day preschool had been held back by the end of 3rd grade, compared to 9.5% of 3rd grade students who had participated in half-day programs.
Full time Prekindergarten will have a school day schedule that includes core academics with more time to provide interventions, foster social skills, nurture student-centered learning through play, and build school readiness. Moving to a full-time schedule for four- and five-year-olds will also provide more individual attention, extend learning opportunities, and provide a structured routine. Fewer abrupt transitions during the day, with no midday pickup, means smoother routines for students and parents. Students will settle into learning faster and stay engaged with more developmentally appropriate transitions.
Activities often lost in half-day programs, such as art, science explorations, music, and outdoor play, fit naturally into full-day schedules. The students will participate in specials such as physical education, library, and music. The Prekindergarten students will have the opportunity for school meals and bus transportation as well.
Extended contact time gives teachers a more accurate picture of developmental progress, especially with students who have special needs. The teacher can provide earlier intervention and stronger communication with families. Although we will no longer have a three-year-old preschool program, the three-year-olds in the community with therapy needs will also be scheduled during the week to receive their needed services.
Long-term benefits for full-time Prekindergarten at Newell School District are to provide higher literacy and numeracy gains, reducing the need for remediation later in school. Students will transition into kindergarten the following year with the structure and development needed. Full-time prekindergarten generally produces stronger academic, social, and long-term outcomes, especially for children from underserved or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Newell School District encourages families with children ages 0-6 to attend our early childhood screening in February. This will help identify potential delays or health concerns early, so we can ensure every child is receiving the proper support and resources during their early years of development, even before their school-age years.