Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten
Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010: SB 1381
- Changes the entry date for kindergarten/first grade and creates transitional kindergarten (TK) classes.
- Allows for transitional kindergarten as the first year of a two-year kindergarten program.
- Changes the kindergarten entry date from Dec. 2 to Sept. 1.
- Allows the District to decide where and how transitional kindergarten classes will be held.
- Provides parents with an additional option to help their children enter kindergarten more prepared to learn and succeed.
- Delegates responsibility to the District to design a transitional kindergarten program.
District Implementation Highlights
SB 1381 changes the age when children can begin kindergarten/first grade. Previously, children could be enrolled in kindergarten if they turned 5 by December 2 and first grade if they turned 6 by December 2. The new entry date is September 1.
While this change of a few months may seem small, it can mean a big difference during these early years when children are rapidly growing and developing. Thus, the new law allows transitional kindergarten for children impacted by this change. Transitional kindergarten is the first of a two-year kindergarten program.
Transitional kindergarten will be offered at Evergreen (half-day), Mulberry (half-day), and Orchard Dale (half-day) elementary schools only. In order to apply for TK, you will need to submit a Transitional Kindergarten Application.
Enrollment for transitional kindergarten begins Tuesday, February 9, 2021, for the 21-22 school year. Applications for TK are available online at the District website under the Enrollment Information Page and should be completed by Friday, February 26, 2021, for priority registration.
After completion of the TK school year, students will be assigned to their neighborhood school for kindergarten. If a parent would like their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school, they will need to submit an Intradistrict Permit.
While this change of a few months may seem small, it can mean a big difference during these early years when children are rapidly growing and developing. Thus, the new law allows transitional kindergarten for children impacted by this change. Transitional kindergarten is the first of a two-year kindergarten program.
Transitional kindergarten will be offered at Evergreen (half-day), Mulberry (half-day), and Orchard Dale (half-day) elementary schools only. In order to apply for TK, you will need to submit a Transitional Kindergarten Application.
Enrollment for transitional kindergarten begins Tuesday, February 9, 2021, for the 21-22 school year. Applications for TK are available online at the District website under the Enrollment Information Page and should be completed by Friday, February 26, 2021, for priority registration.
After completion of the TK school year, students will be assigned to their neighborhood school for kindergarten. If a parent would like their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school, they will need to submit an Intradistrict Permit.
Differences between Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten
- TK is a program based on developmentally appropriate kindergarten standards designed to prepare students for regular kindergarten. There is exposure to many of the K standards necessary for success in regular kindergarten.
- TK students will be in a dedicated TK class.
- TK is the “gift of time” to develop the social and emotional skills for success in school. Children will be better prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond with the extra time. TK has a developmental focus.
- The program has an academic focus, and there is an expectation that children will demonstrate mastery of kindergarten standards. The focus is on the beginning reading/literacy process.
Curriculum Highlights
Transitional Kindergarten
Language
Social/ Emotional
Exposure to K Standards
Kindergarten
Decoding
Language
Social/ Emotional
Mastery to K Standards
Curriculum
Assessments
- The transitional kindergarten curriculum blends the best practices from the preschool learning environment with the best practices from the kindergarten environment.
- Students will be introduced to age-appropriate topics through a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Mathematics instruction will be delivered using a hands-on approach.
Assessments
- EWCSD will primarily use observational tools to provide parents feedback on their child’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if TK is right for my child?
Transitional kindergarten is the first of a two-year kindergarten program. Students with birthdays on September 2 through December 2 may attend one year of transitional kindergarten and then one year of regular kindergarten. If your child needs more time to develop social skills, this may be a program for him/her.
Where do I register my child for TK?
Transitional kindergarten registration will take place during the regular kindergarten registration period, which starts February 9, 2021, for the 21-22 school year. Applications for TK are available online at the District website under the Enrollment Information Page.
Transitional kindergarten is the first of a two-year kindergarten program. Students with birthdays on September 2 through December 2 may attend one year of transitional kindergarten and then one year of regular kindergarten. If your child needs more time to develop social skills, this may be a program for him/her.
Where do I register my child for TK?
Transitional kindergarten registration will take place during the regular kindergarten registration period, which starts February 9, 2021, for the 21-22 school year. Applications for TK are available online at the District website under the Enrollment Information Page.
Can my child skip Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional kindergarten is optional. Parents wishing to keep children at home or in private kindergarten programs will need to check the new age requirements for kindergarten/first grade. Putting your child in private kindergarten programs will not automatically allow him/her to go on to first grade if the child does not meet the new age requirements.
Who do I call if I have questions regarding Transitional Kindergarten?
Please call the school office or the District Office if you have any additional questions, we will be glad to assist you.
Transitional kindergarten is optional. Parents wishing to keep children at home or in private kindergarten programs will need to check the new age requirements for kindergarten/first grade. Putting your child in private kindergarten programs will not automatically allow him/her to go on to first grade if the child does not meet the new age requirements.
Who do I call if I have questions regarding Transitional Kindergarten?
Please call the school office or the District Office if you have any additional questions, we will be glad to assist you.
District Phone
562.907.5931
More Information
www.tkcalifornia.org
www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderfaq.asp