Diane D’Amico of The Press in Atlantic City, New Jersey had a good, comprehensive story (free registration required) on the growing interest in full-day kindergarten in New Jersey a few days back. She gives an overview of the investments New Jersey is making in pre-kindergarten in some school districts (principally those serving large populations of low-income kids.) Diane writes that “The old model of kindergarten as a child's first exposure to school is long gone. Children of working parents may attend day care and preschool practically from birth. A modern kindergarten program includes playtime integrated with a stronger academic component as well as the socialization of learning to work in groups and follow instructions.” For information on what other states are doing or not doing to promote full-day kindergarten you can go to here.

By the way, Diane attended a seminar last May that the Hechinger Institute offered on early education.