School readiness occurs within a broad context that includes the four components of community, educational environment, family and the individual child. These four components function as interdependent systems of support that have multidirectional influences. Early childhood experiences, from birth through age 8, are necessary for school success and have a direct influence on future success. Experiences include health and physical well-being, cognitive development, communication and social-emotional skills. An effective foundation for school readiness also involves policy, funding and systems for children that support their ability to thrive and succeed in learning environments through their lifespan. This "Kansas Full-Day Kindergarten Guide" is a resource to provide kindergarten teachers, principals and other school district administrators with common information about high-quality, full-day kindergarten. This guide may be used to provide support to implement developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous kindergarten programs statewide. Kindergarten teachers and administrators are encouraged to discuss the design of high-quality, developmentally appropriate and rigorous kindergarten classrooms. Contents address: transitions; child development; learning environment; classroom management; curriculum and instruction; instructional practices in kindergarten; assessment; and program structures. [This report was prepared by the Kansas State Department of Education's Early Childhood, Special Education and Title Services. For the "Kansas Prekindergarten Guide," see ED598973.]