Glen Ellyn District 41 considering full-day kindergarten

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 officials are asking residents if they would support implementation of a full-day kindergarten program.

The district has launched an online survey that residents can fill out by Oct. 20.

It asks respondents if they think full-day kindergarten benefits children; if it should be implemented in District 41; and if they would be interested in enrolling their child in such a program.

It also asks respondents if they would support having a full-day kindergarten program that is free, only for at-risk students, and/or requires tuition.

The school board discussed the possibility of incorporating full-day kindergarten into its schools earlier this month.

Currently, kindergarten classes are 2½ hours a day. In a full-day kindergarten option, the program would run from 9 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., according to the online survey.

Superintendent Paul Gordon has made it clear he is a strong supporter.

"I believe in full-day kindergarten," he said earlier this month. "I think it is a game-changer."

Although there is research that attests to the benefits of full-day kindergarten, he admitted some studies say its academic benefits diminish over time.

But school board members still had questions about creating that kind of kindergarten program. Besides getting community feedback, board members said they want more information, including details on potential costs and space needs.

To fill out the survey, visit www.d41.org.