Parents Call For Full-Day Kindergarten At Long Island School District

GREENLAWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Parents in Suffolk County are not happy with a school district that isn't offering full-day kindergarten.

The award-winning Harborfields School District is one of only seven districts in the entire state that don't offer full-day kindergarten.

And as WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, Harborfields is the only school district on Long Island where parents have to pay to send their child for the full day.

"I think it's really about giving our kids a fair start from the get-go," said Rachel Risinger, who has two sons. "They're not on an even playing field with any of the other kids on Long Island when it comes to full-day kindergarten."

Natalie Mason also has two children, one of whom is set to start kindergarten next fall.

"We're sending a message to our kids that their very first year in education is only worth two and a half hours," she said.

Parents believe the reason behind the lack of full-day kindergarten has to do with financial issues.

"The district recognizes the benefits of a full-day kindergarten program and is currently and actively reviewing and assessing the need to implement such a program," Diana Todardo, Superintendent of Harborfields Central School District, said.

A community forum on the issue will be held on January 13, at the district's Board of Education meeting.