Because of the substantial impact on outcomes for children, states and school districts across the country are addressing issues surrounding early learning opportunities and school readiness for young children. Full-day kindergarten plays an important role in both. Colorado has made significant investments in full-day kindergarten as a means of providing high-quality education opportunities to young children, and better preparing them for success throughout their academic careers. Colorado has made a strong commitment to early learning opportunities through the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) and, with House Bill 08-1388, a substantial investment in full-day kindergarten. CPP provides high-quality learning opportunities for preschool and kindergarten children who have the greatest social and economic need. As the Colorado Preschool Kindergarten Program (CPKP) shifts its full-day kindergarten slots to preschool, once again becoming the CPP, and CPKP standards are no longer required for full-day kindergarten, it is important for districts to consider the design and implementation of high-quality full-day kindergarten programs. Full-day kindergarten is also a key element of the commitment Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has made to the development of a preschool through postsecondary, or P-20, education system. A report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) indicates children in full-day kindergarten programs spend more time engaged in valuable learning activities than children in half-day kindergarten programs. Results from empirical research suggest children in full-day kindergarten programs spend: (1) 57 minutes per day in self-selected activities, as opposed to 32 minutes per day for half-day kindergarten students; and (2) 16 percent less time in large-group, teacher-directed activities, and seven percent more time in child-initiated learning activities than half-day kindergarten children. Research has shown that both self-selected and child-initiated activities have long-term benefits on children's learning by promoting cognitive and social-emotional development. Center-based and child-directed play time helps children develop vocabulary skills, increase cooperation with peers, practice handling conflict and develop positive approaches to learning. (Contains 7 footnotes.)