Programs for Kindergarteners attending Half-day Classes (Easton: appointed, day care, YMCA)

[randisim]

Hi... my family and I just moved to the Easton and I found out that my son's school only has half-day classes for kindergarten, which has me really disappointed. I am used to a full day kindergarten class and he has attended mother's morning (classes 9am - 1pm) since he was 3, which is longer than these half-day classes. Can anyone suggest any programs (preferrably free) that I can enroll my son in? I really want to best prepare him for 1st grade and I really don't think 3 1/2 hour classes will be sufficient.

Also, any suggestions for mother's morning day care in my area (lehigh valley)? I have a 3 year old that LOVES school but I can't afford full day care.

Thanks in advance!

[karen_s]

Was just down in Easton today visiting a good friend of mine, and she has a son entering kindergarten, then I saw your post. I had no idea they were still doing the half-day schedule in Easton. I am aware of paid programs to supplement that such as the aftercare programs at the Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg, and Vicinity or Third Street Alliance, but definitely nothing in the way of free programs that I've ever heard of.

The only kind of free childcare types of programs I've ever seen are very sporadic "mom's day or night out" programs at some churches, and those seem to be few and far between. Everything else around here is basically fee-for-service.

[toobusytoday]

I can't help you with the after school care but perhaps can reassure you that a half day of kindergarten is sufficient to prepare them for first grade. That's what we have in our school district. Easton just laid off a bunch of teachers. It would cost them quite a bit to do full day kindergarten.

[randisim]

@ karen_s thank you for the information.
@ toobusytoday it is sad to hear about the teacher lay offs. however, i hope that they kept some really good ones in place.