The Two-Year Kindergarten Program – A Strong Start For Our Learners
The Goal of Transitional Kindergarten is to provide the youngest kindergartners with the gift of time. A readiness year that is developmentally appropriate will better prepare them for success in traditional kindergarten.
Why was Transitional Kindergarten Created?
“California’s Kindergarten standards and curriculum have changed over the years, and many of the skills once taught in first grade are now expected in kindergarten.
Transitional kindergarten is a new and wonderful option that will allow families to give their children the gift of time... building the social, emotional and academic skills that will help them succeed in elementary school.”
Program Highlights
Our CUSD TK program is based on a hybrid of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Framework, and the Common Core Kindergarten Standards with focused instruction in literacy and numeracy along with a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement.
Students are exposed to hands-on activities that help them develop and build upon existing skills. They are taught how to interrelate with their peers.
What is a Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten (or TK) is a program designed for children turning 5 years old between September 2nd, 2024 and June 2nd, 2025.
It is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten which provides young learners the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is not only age-appropriate, it also utilizes developmentally appropriate based curriculum to meet their academic and social needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for TK?
No, TK is part of the public school system and is free of charge for eligible students.
My child was born after the cutoff date of June 2nd, 2025, will he/she be able to attend TK at all?
Students who turn 5 years old after the cutoff date of June 2nd won’t be enrolled into the TK program at all, instead, they will be enrolled in Kindergarten in the following school year. Which means that they will only have to have one year of Kindergarten instruction.
Does my child have to be enrolled in Kindergarten after finishing TK?
Yes, TK is part of a two-year program. It prepares students for the academic challenges of the 21st century. The time in TK gives an opportunity to continue to build skills and abilities that will help students to confidently navigate the school day routine and become leaders in the classroom.
What are the benefits of TK?
TK bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten. It blends social and emotional experience with academic learning so that students not only learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math, and other cognitive skills, but also develop social and self-regulation skills needed to succeed in school and life.
What does the day look like?
The day is balanced with large group, small group, and individual instruction opportunities, with indoor and outdoor activities. Learning opportunities are given throughout the day, interwoven with a carefully planned curriculum based on the developmental tasks of the age and the interest of the children.
Is Transitional Kindergarten the best option for my child?
Since birth, you have watched your child grow and develop. You have noted your child’s height and weight, when s/he crawled, stood, walked, and spoke those first words and whole sentences. Although child development follows a fairly predictable path, we know that every child develops at his/ her own pace.
Think about your child in the areas of language, social, cognitive, and motor skills development and consider what program will best meet his/her needs.
As a parent, you know your child best; thus, you are better able to determine whether you believe this program is best for your child.
Tips for Parents
- Offer your child lots of encouragement and praise.
- Look for shapes and patterns in everyday objects.
- Sing songs and play rhyming games.
- Keep pencils, crayons, and paper where children can get them easily.
- Point out letters and numbers in everyday places.
- Help your child learn to sort, match and compare.
- Teach your child to count.
- Read to your child non-fiction and fiction books.
- Remember, children learn through play.
- Rules are important, remind your child to follow them.