Stakeholders' views of full-day versus half-day kindergarten program : a multiple case study in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study investigated the differences and similarities between full-day programs (FDP) and half-day programs (HDP) in Hong Kong kindergartens in terms of children’s experiences and program quality, as well as in the stakeholders such as parents’, teachers’, and principals’ perspectives. Besides, the study investigated stakeholders’ perceptions about the preference of FDP or HDP and their views about subsidizing FDP. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to explore the research questions. Findings showed that FDP in Hong Kong is different from HDP, rather than an extension of HDP. Additionally, the stakeholders in Hong Kong prefer FDP and support to subsidize FDP. Findings from the study have significant policy and practice implications to improve overall quality of both programs.