Scituate full-day kindergarten costs to rise

“The increase is to cover the costs of the program,” Kelleher said.

This is the first year Scituate schools have offered the full day program. Kelleher said 126 of the district’s 233 kindergarten-age children attend the full-day program. Those not in the full-day program attend regular half-day classes, which do not have an extra charge.

He said six full-day sessions, including the already established special education integrated kindergarten, are held at four different schools.

He said depending on the demand, each school held a lottery to fill the limited seats. However, Kelleher said he believes most parents who wanted their children in the program were accommodated. Parents will continue to have the option of sending their kindergarteners to full- or half-day sessions.

On Monday, Nov. 17, Kelleher said he and several full-day program teachers will give a presentation to the School Committee outlining the program’s curriculum, initiatives and goals. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

He said all parents with children in the program this year or plan to enroll their children next year can get an overall look at what is taught during the school day.

“It’s a great way to see what we are doing,” Kelleher said.

There will also be three information sessions about full-day kindergarten held this month. The first session is Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Wampatuck Elementary School at 7 p.m. A morning session will be held Nov. 23 at Hatherly Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. The third session will be held at Hatherly later in the evening at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Officials said the sessions will last about 60 to 90 minutes and includes ample time for questions and answers.