Transitional Kindergarten
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten is part of the public school system and will be available for children who turn four years old by September 1st. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a developmentally and age-appropriate play-based curriculum. It supports children'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. TK is part of the public school system and is free to participating students. Registration is optional. Students attend the one-year program and the following year begin Kindergarten.
Who can attend Transitional Kindergarten?
With the rollout of California's Universal PreK, programs are expanding over the next few years - with more 4-year-olds able to attend each year. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, we will be accepting students whose birthdates fall between September 2, 2020 -September 1, 2021.
- For the 2024-25 School Year, children born between September 2, 2019, and June 2, 2020 are eligible to enroll in TK.
- For the 2025-26 School Year, children born between September 2, 2020 and September 1, 2021 are eligible to enroll in Transitional Kindergarten.
The TK program is taught by credentialed teachers and runs 5 days a week. 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 in this hands-on program to build a strong foundation for Kindergarten the following year.
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)).
Benefits of TK
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) bridges the path between preschool and Kindergarten and gives students the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. It blends social and emotional experiences 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.
TK is a win-win-win for children, families, and schools! With TK:
- Children are better prepared to succeed.
- Families have an additional option to ensure their children enter Kindergarten with the maturity, confidence, and skills they need to excel.
- Schools benefit because children will be better prepared to succeed academically and less likely to be placed in special education or held back in later grades.
Research shows that the return on early investments in education is substantial. According to Deborah Stipek, former dean and a professor at the Stanford University School of Education, “the cost is paid back many times over in reduced grade retentions, special education services and in lower expenditures for incarceration. Returns also come in the form of the increased productivity that results from higher levels of academic achievement and high school completion rates.”
Is there priority registration into a specific school for TK?
No. The district does not offer guaranteed placement in a specific school for TK. Siblings will be placed first, all other students will be assigned to a school based on space available.
Will there be space for everyone interested in Transitional Kindergarten?
Yes. All students who were born between September 2, 2020 - September 1, 2021 are guaranteed a space in the Transitional Kindergarten Program for the 2025-26 school year.
If your child is not eligible for TK/K based on their birthdate, SCSD has excellent Early Learning/Preschool Programs for 2-4 year olds located on all of our elementary school campuses. Please visit our San Carlos Early Learning Center page for more information.
We have a unique, fee-based extended learning program developed just for TK students and in collaboration with our SCSD Early Learning Center/Preschool Program. TKELP is dedicated to enriching TK student's lives after school. TKELP provides a fun, safe and welcoming place for our littlest learners to spend time each day. Through daily physical activity, Legarza sports, JamaRoo Kids Dance and STEAM enrichment, children will explore, invent and discover new ways to create. TEKLP provides a developmentally appropriate space with enriching activities where students can thrive.
Is TK mandatory?
TK is not a mandatory grade. Families with students who are age-eligible for TK have the option to enroll in TK or keep their child in preschool.
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 if I have more questions?
For more information on the TK program, please contact your neighborhood elementary school. Additional information regarding Transitional Kindergarten can be found in Education Code Section 48000.