Un programme de maternelle quatre ans à mi-temps: La perception des parents et des intervenants scolaires

This study seeks to describe parental and academic stakeholder views on the half-day kindergarten (4 years old) program offered by a Canadian School Board. More specifically, the study focuses on the organization of the kindergarten program, childhood education, kindergarten learning process and language development. Data was gathered through a series of interviews with 63 individuals (parents and teaching personnel). The results indicate that parents are satisfied with the organization of the kindergarten program and that they believe that it widely favors the children's learning process. Participants expect that the kindergarten learning process should place priority on socialization, language, and autonomy and adaptation within a structured environment. Of equal importance to participants are full-day educational services for 4 years old children.