Kindergarten is a classroom program that consist of children ages three to seven years of age. The programs range from half days to full days of school depending on the availability of the school system. For most children this is the first step towards developing social skills in a group setting without the assistance of mom or dad. Most kindergartens share the objectives of teaching socials skills, self estem and developing a child's academic ability. In 1872, kindergartens gained support from the National Educational Association, which in 1884 established department of kindergarten instruction. Through the efforts of many people the kindergartens has worked its way into many schools, private and public.