Based on parent interest, Rocky View Schools (RVS) has a process schools may follow to consider a change from daily half-day Kindergarten programs to a full-day Kindergarten program on alternating days. RVS' Administrative Procedure 211 Alternate Day Kindergarten outlines this process; more details are below.

Limited long-term data comparing half-day versus full-day Kindergarten exists. Families are encouraged to do their own research on full-day Kindergarten on alternating days and half-day Kindergarten programming. Some common benefits and challenges to consider are:

Potential Benefits

• Longer time blocks can allow deeper play and learning.
• Fewer weekly bus rides for students with long commutes.
• Some students may be more ready for Grade 1.
• Fewer daily transitions for some students.
• Childcare, drop-off and pick-up may be simpler for families.

Potential Challenges

• Full days may be too long for some students, especially early in the year.
• Five-year-olds generally have short attention spans.
• Play is an important part of Kindergarten. During full days, more time may be devoted to academic tasks instead of play.
• Some students may experience separation anxiety.

Four schools are currently considering a change to full-day Kindergarten on alternating days:

Families with children ages 0-4 who live in the attendance areas of these schools are invited to give feedback on how changing to a full-day Kindergarten program on alternating days will impact them. Please use the buttons above to complete a survey for your school by Jan. 31. You will also find more information about engagement timelines and how to connect with RVS and your school. Not sure if you live in the attendance area? Please enter your address in the RVS Attendance Area Map to find out.

A school may change to a full-day Kindergarten program on alternating days if approved by RVS' Board of Trustees, following the process in Administrative Procedure 211:

• Parents initiate the process through their school council and principal.
• Principals work with RVS division staff for guidance and support.
• A public engagement is held in January to gather feedback from families of children ages 0-4 who live in the school's attendance area. Engagement results must indicate at least 65 per cent of those who responded are in favour of the change for it to be considered by the division. The number of parents/guardians who participate in the engagement is a consideration (there is not a set threshold).
• Before the end of February, principals provide a recommendation for RVS' superintendent to consider, based on what was heard during the public engagement.
• The superintendent may support a recommendation to change the school's Kindergarten program and present it to the Board of Trustees.
• The Board has the authority to approve the change.
• The Kindergarten program change could be implemented as early as the upcoming school year.

Specific timelines for your school's engagement are available on the dedicated pages linked above.