Transitional Kindergarten
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children turning five-years old. It provides young learners a head start and the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs.
Our TK curriculum is a blend of California Common Core Kindergarten standards and the CA Preschool Foundations for four and five-year olds. The TK program gives students an additional opportunity to continue to build their skills and abilities. Their time in TK will help them to succeed in Kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom, and confidently navigate the school day routine.
TK classes provide more opportunities for social-emotional and language development, including mathematics functions through interactive, hands-on activities, which help students develop and build upon existing skills to be successful in Kindergarten, and stimulating classroom centers, which focus on science, mathematics, writing, arts and crafts, community roll play, etc.
TK is part of the public school system and is free to participating students. Registration in the program is optional. Students attend the one-year program and the following year begin Kindergarten.
Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Transitional Kindergarten programs are expanding in California over the next few years - with more 4-year-olds able to attend each year. For the 2023-24 School year - children who were born between September 2, 2018 and April 2, 2019 are eligible to enroll in TK.
- 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 Kindergarten.
Smaller Class-Size
Small class sizes are optimal to give younger students the attention they need. Individual instruction is a pillar of quality early education. For the 2023-24 school year, the program has a 12:1 ratio of student-to-TK teacher/TK aide. Many preschool settings enjoy an even smaller ratio. The San Carlos School District Early Learning Center/Preschool, for instance, generally has a 9:1 ratio in its programs.
Teacher Credentialing
Currently, TK teachers are required to have a multiple-subject teaching credential, the same credential teachers need for all the elementary grades. By 2023, TK teachers also need to complete an additional 24 units of early childhood education coursework or the equivalent or they will need to hold a Child Development Permit. Transitional Kindergarten is intended to give young learners a head start and provide them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs. Teachers help children develop social and communication skills through activities that build confidence while supporting the Traditional Kindergarten curriculum of math, literacy, and language development taught in interactive ways.
Registration for the 2024-25 School Year
For the upcoming school year, parents of students who turn 5 between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025 will be able to register their child for TK. Please see our How To Register for the 2024-25 (NEXT) School Year page to learn more about the process and required documents, and contact your school directly if you have any additional questions.
TK & Kindergarten Eligibility Chart by DOB for California
If your child is not eligible for TK/K based on their birthdate, SCSD has excellent Early Learning/Preschool Programs for 3-4 year olds located on all of our elementary school campuses. Please visit our San Carlos Early Learning Center page for more information.
Transitional Kindergarten Class Locations
TK classes are opened at a school based on new student registration in January-February. For the 2023-24 school year, we have one TK class at Arundel and White Oaks and two TK classes at Brittan Acres and Heather. We anticipate opening additional classes in the 2024-25 school year with the sites to be determined based on enrollment.
Transitional Kindergarten Extended Learning Program (TKELP)
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.
The program is available at all four elementary schools - Arundel, Brittan Acres, Heather, and White Oaks. More information about the program can be found by visiting the TKELP website.
