As some people may know, there has been a controversy between parents of young children on whether or not there should be a full-day kindergarten program. 696 Wayne community members completed a survey regarding this. These people were asked if they have children in kindergarten or when their children will be eligible for kindergarten. 64 percent of the people surveyed said they had children in kindergarten and 76 percent were interested in this program, known as the Kindergarten Wrap-Around Program. Because the majority voted in favor for it, Wayne Public Schools has now offered the program.

The Kindergarten Wrap-Around Program, slated to begin in September, provides enrichment activities for kindergartners. The Program provides time, materials, and support to extend what the kindergarten students learned.  It is a voluntary, fee-based program  the children attend either morning or afternoon dependent upon their regular kindergarten session. It is available for all Wayne Public Elementary Schools, so that children are able to stay in their school for the entire school day.

Bella Abaza, a Wayne resident who has a young daughter says, “I completed the survey because I think the program is interesting and I would like my daughter to be enrolled in full-day kindergarten. It’s good for her to develop social and emotional skills at a young age and will help better prepare her for elementary school.”

However, there are others who opposed the program. For example, another Wayne resident said he does not like the idea of the Kindergarten Wrap-Around Program because he does not want “more taxes to worry about.”