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Full-day preschool programs are more effective than part-day programs when it comes to preparing for school readiness, according to a new study.

Researchers found that children who went to the preschool were also significantly more likely to attend school than those who attended part-day preschool.

The latest study involved children between the ages of three and four.  

Lead researcher Arthur J. Reynolds, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and his team looked at data from a group of predominantly low-income, ethnic minority children enrolled in the Child-Parent Centers for the full day or part day in the 2012-2013 school year in 11 schools in Chicago.

The findings revealed that full-day preschool programs were significantly better when it comes to preparing for school readiness compared to part-day programs.

"Full-day preschool appears to be a promising strategy for school readiness. The size and breadth of associations go beyond previous studies. The positive association of full-day preschool also suggests that increasing access to early childhood programs should consider the optimal dosage of services. In addition to increased educational enrichment, full-day preschool benefits parents by providing children with a continually enriched environment throughout the day, thereby freeing parental time to pursue career and educational opportunities. By offering another service option, full-day preschool also can increase access for families who may not otherwise enroll," researchers wrote in the study.

The findings were published November 26 in JAMA.