Gabby Beauchamp moved from Mexico to Abbotsford eight years ago, and was always perplexed that kindergarten kids here only went to school for half a day.

Now, with the introduction of full-day kindergarten in September, she’s pleased that her daughter, Mia, will experience the benefits at her school, Centennial Park Elementary.

“In Mexico, it’s a full day ... They get to learn more and socialize more, and they get to do more things that they can’t do at home,” Beauchamp said.

She and her husband both work, so the other benefit to the full day is the savings in daycare costs for working parents. The pair also have a son, Dylan, who is in Grade 1.

Nineteen of the 31 elementary schools in Abbotsford will introduce full-day kindergarten in September.

A total of 893 full-day spaces have been allotted to the Abbotsford school district by the Ministry of Education.

Of those, 400 have already been in place for students who are in special education, require English-language training or are of aboriginal ancestry.

Registration for all kindergarten spots begins Monday, Jan. 18.

School district spokesman Dave Stephen said the 19 schools were selected for the first phase because they could most easily accommodate the increased class time without having to add portables or build other infrastructure – something for which the province has not provided additional funding this year.

He said the total anticipated kindergarten enrolment this September is 1,350, meaning almost 500 kids will be enrolled in half-day classes.

Stephen said the full-day spots are given to families who live within a school’s catchment area, followed by kids who already have siblings enrolled at the school.

He said there have been numerous phone calls from concerned parents.

“We understand that some parents were anticipating a full day and are in a catchment area with only a half day.”

Conversely, some parents whose qualify for full-day enrolment would prefer their kids to be in school for only half a day.

Stephen said it’s not yet clear how many additional teachers will be required in Abbotsford.

The provincial government has assured that all five-year-olds in B.C. will be offered full-day kindergarten by September 2011.

It has also indicated it will provide funding for new classroom space where needed for the 2011/12 school year.

The Abbotsford schools selected for full-day kindergarten are: Aberdeen, Alexander, Blue Jay, Centennial, Clearbrook, Dave Kandal, Dormick Park, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Godson, Harry Sayers, Jackson, John Maclure, Margaret Stenersen, Matsqui, Ross, Sandy Hill, Ten-Broeck, Terry Fox and Upper Sumas.

HOW TO REGISTER

Kindergarten registration begins Monday, Jan. 18 in Abbotsford.

To be registered for the 2010/11 school year, children must turn five years old between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010.

Proof of age is required, as is proof of residence for students with siblings not already in school. Suggested documents are a tax assessment notice, proof of home purchase, mortgage papers or a rental agreement.

Complete information is available at sd34.bc.ca or by calling the school district office at 604-859-4891 or your neighbourhood school.