Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Info
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
- Transitional Kindergarten is part of the public school system and is available for children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1 of the school year. Like preschool, it’s not required that children attend, but kids who do enroll in TK are required to attend Kindergarten the following year.
- Transitional kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a developmentally and age-appropriate modified kindergarten curriculum. TK does not replicate preschool or kindergarten. It addresses the child’s language, literacy, and pre-math skills with an emphasis on social and emotional development. The program blends preschool and readiness standards for kindergarten with a focus on hands-on and experiential learning. Research shows that taking the time for readiness for school can predict success later in the formative years of elementary and secondary education. Getting a strong start is very important.
Who can attend Transitional Kindergarten?
- Children who turn four years of age on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible to register to attend Transitional Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year,
My child has a birthday that falls within the TK age-eligibility window. Can my child skip TK and enroll directly in Kindergarten?
- No. We strictly adhere to the age eligibility requirements for a child to enroll in kindergarten. To be eligible to register for Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year, children must turn five years of age on or before September 1, 2025.
What will the Transitional Kindergarten program look like for my child?
- The TK program is taught by credentialed teachers and runs 5 days a week. Hours for the program will be the same as the Kindergarten schedule. TK offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that allows students to explore, create, and learn through purposeful play-based activities. Social emotional, fine motor and academic skills are all integrated into this hands-on program to build a strong foundation for meeting the rigor of kindergarten the following year.
How is TK different from Kindergarten?
- TK is a bridge from Preschool to Kindergarten. It does not replace kindergarten. The TK curriculum provides a bridge for our four-year-olds and young five-year-olds between the flexible, exploration-based environment of preschool and the more structured academic setting of kindergarten. It promotes each child’s progress in all areas where they develop and practice the social, emotional, and physical skills that support and naturally accompany a child’s intellectual growth.
Transitional Kindergarten Important Information
Transitional Kindergarten is defined as "the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate." (Education Code, Section 48000(d)).
The benefits of a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program:
- allows for the gift of time for children who would benefit from a two-year program
- improves social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development
- builds self-esteem and identity as a successful student
- reduces grade retention and special education placement
- offers a valuable opportunity to integrate early learning and elementary systems
- provides a credentialed teacher for the program
The state of California is allowing individual school districts to create TK programs with standards and curricula that meet the unique needs of their student populations.
When can I sign my child up for Transitional Kindergarten?
- The 2024-2025 TK registration and enrollment window opened on February 1, 2024, and will remain open through the spring.
Where do I enroll?
- Pre-Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year is posted on the Las Lomitas Elementary School Registration Page
Will there be space for everyone interested in Transitional Kindergarten?
- All students turning four on or before September 1, 2024, are guaranteed a space in the Transitional Kindergarten Program for the 2024-2025 school year.
Where will the Transitional Kindergarten classes be held?
- The TK program will be held at Las Lomitas Elementary School.
Is TK mandatory?
- TK is not a mandatory grade.
Can Las Lomitas transitional kindergarten children take the bus to and from school?
- Yes. Las Lomitas transitional kindergarten children take the bus to and from school.
Can Las Lomitas transitional kindergarten participate in the daily Universal Meal Program?
- Yes, All children attending Las Lomitas Schools may participate in the program.
Do children in universal TK have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten?
- Yes. Under California’s kindergarten immunization requirements, even four-year-old children need their pre-kindergarten immunizations prior to the first day of TK.
What happens after a year of Transitional Kindergarten?
- Transitional Kindergarten is intended to be the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. Students will move to kindergarten the following year, will have a space reserved for them at their resident school, and will not have to re-enroll.
What if I have more questions?
- For more information on registration, call Deanna Celis at (650) 854-5900. For more information on the program, contact Dr. Valerie Park or Alain Camou. Additional information regarding Transitional Kindergarten can be found in Education Code Section 48000.
