All-day kindergarten a great investment

All-day kindergarten a great investment

Recently the board of education of Benjamin School District 25 voted to extend full-day kindergarten to all students who want it. The board also decided that they would not charge monthly tuition for this program, as other districts do.

I am impressed that the board recognizes that this investment in our children at an early age will reap rewards for both the children and the community in the future.

My grandson began full-day kindergarten in this district during the last school year. At the time, this option was only offered to students who had no preschool experience or who were deemed by the district to need additional time in the classroom.

I must admit that at first I wondered if this wasn't pushing too much onto young children at too early of an age. I quickly changed my mind as I saw that the extra time gave my grandson time to experience music, physical education and classes in the computer lab. I learned how technology enhances the education he receives in the classroom. I saw how he soaked up a variety of skills in reading and math.

Education is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children if we want them to grow up to be well-informed citizens, able to take their place in an increasingly complex society. By taking advantage of their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn while they are young, we are making an important contribution to their future success and to our own future well-being.

Suzanne G. Hlotke

Carol Stream