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What is transitional kindergarten?
Transitional kindergarten, often referred to as TK, is a free public school program for 4-year-olds who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. It is essentially an extra public school grade that began in 2012 and is designed to be a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. Children who are enrolled in transitional kindergarten can enroll in a regular kindergarten class the following year. Although there is no mandated curriculum, transitional kindergarten is modeled on a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Districts and schools have flexibility with how to implement curriculum, but the California Department of Education states that transitional kindergarten is meant to closely follow guidelines in the California Preschool Learning Foundations developed by the department. Districts are expected to use those guidelines as a foundation for instruction.
Why was transitional kindergarten introduced in California?
Transitional kindergarten came about after the California Legislature approved the “Kindergarten Readiness Act” in 2010. Until then, children who were 4 years old on Sept. 1 could still enroll in regular kindergarten as long as they turned 5 by Dec. 2 of that year. But the new law changed that. Beginning in 2012, children had to be 5 by Sept. 1 to enroll in regular kindergarten. In response, transitional kindergarten was established in 2012 to serve those 4-year-olds who were previously eligible for kindergarten.
Are elementary schools required to offer transitional kindergarten?
Yes. The California Department of Education states that each elementary and K-12 school district must offer transitional kindergarten classes for children whose 5th birthday falls between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. The requirement covers charter schools, which must provide transitional kindergarten if kindergarten is offered at the same school.
Are children required to attend transitional kindergarten?
No. Transitional kindergarten, or regular kindergarten for that matter, is not mandatory in California. It is up to parents to decide whether to enroll their children in preschool or transitional kindergarten.
How is transitional kindergarten different from preschool?
Transitional kindergarten is part of the California K-12 public school system. The California Department of Education states that all transitional kindergarten teachers must meet the credential requirements to teach regular kindergarten. Teachers in preschools do not have to have a teaching credential issued by the California Teacher Credentialing Commission. Instead, they are certified through other child development programs. Transitional kindergarten classes are designed to prepare children for kindergarten and often use a combination of standards, including the Common Core Standards for kindergarten and the California Department of Education’s Preschool Learning Foundations. The programs are designed to teach social and emotional skills, such as self-confidence and cooperation, and early academic skills, such as numbers and letters.
Why are some schools combining transitional kindergartners and kindergartners in the same classroom?
Schools have the flexibility to determine how they offer transitional kindergarten classes and meet the curriculum needs of those students. Some districts offer standalone transitional kindergarten classes and other districts combine transitional kindergartners and kindergartners in the same classroom. Districts might combine classes because they don’t have enough 4-year-olds who are eligible to create a separate class. Other reasons may be the cost of hiring a teacher for a separate class or a shortage of classroom space. A study by the American Institutes for Research found that small and mid-sized districts were more likely than larger school districts to combine transitional kindergarten with kindergarten. The California Department of Education states that while districts have the option to combine classes, the goal of transitional kindergarten is to provide “separate and unique experiences for transitional kindergarten or kindergarten students.”
Can children who are old enough for regular kindergarten — who are 5 by Sept. 1 — enroll in transitional kindergarten instead?
Yes. However, this is a local decision and varies based on school district guidelines. The California Department of Education states that districts should “establish criteria” to determine whether children who are old enough for kindergarten — meaning they are 5 by Sept. 1 — can enroll in transitional kindergarten. The San Diego Unified School District is an example of a district that allows children who are old enough for kindergarten to enroll in transitional kindergarten. San Diego Unified does not make this decision based on any specific criteria. If a child is old enough to enter kindergarten but a parent prefers that he or she attend transitional kindergarten instead, the principal at the school site will honor their request, a spokesperson said. In Los Angeles Unified School District, a child may attend transitional kindergarten, even if he or she is old enough to enter kindergarten, if a parent requests it.
Districts that allow children who meet the age requirement for kindergarten to enroll in transitional kindergarten must require parents to sign a Kindergarten Continuance form, according to the California Department of Education. This document states that the parent/guardian understands that transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year program and that any child enrolled must attend kindergarten the following year. This means that if a child attends transitional kindergarten, he or she cannot advance to 1st grade the next year, simply because of age, but must complete a kindergarten year before advancing to 1st grade. However, some districts such as Alameda City Unified do have an acceleration policy that allows children in TK to transfer to regular kindergarten.
Is transitional kindergarten free? How is transitional kindergarten paid for?
Transitional kindergarten is a part of California’s K-12 public school system and children can attend at no cost. Districts receive funding for TK and K-12 students based on average daily attendance, which is the average number of students in attendance over the course of the school year.
What if a child turns 5 after Dec. 2? Can he or she enroll in transitional kindergarten?
That depends on the school district. As part of the 2015-16 budget legislation, California now allows school districts to enroll children in transitional kindergarten if they turn 5 after Dec. 2 and at some point before the end of the school year in June. This “expanded transitional kindergarten” program means a child who turns 5 on Dec. 3 or later, who previously would not have been eligible for transitional kindergarten, is now eligible to enroll.
However, a big difference is that unlike transitional kindergarten districts are not required to offer expanded transitional kindergarten. A few districts allow children who turn 5 up to mid-March to enrol, while other districts, such as Long Beach Unified and Los Angeles Unified, extend the cutoff dates to June 9 and June 15, respectively. A 2017 EdSource survey found that of the 25 largest school districts in the state, only six offered expanded transitional kindergarten. Some smaller school districts also offer expanded transitional kindergarten. Many districts that do not offer it cited lack of funding and availability of classroom space.
Do children in transitional kindergarten have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten?
Yes.
Why isn’t transitional kindergarten open to all 4 year olds, regardless of when they turn 5?
This is a quirk of the program. Efforts have been made in the Legislature to make TK eligible to all 4 year olds, but these have not been successful.
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Comments (106)
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Gina 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi,
Can preschool students be in the same class as Preppy K? How would that work? Would they work on separate curriculum? Thanks!
angela augustine 3 years ago3 years ago
I understand aims of the concepts behind this. However I think they should have moved the birthday one direction or the other so that there’s a better balance between the children's ages and abilities. Example: My son who’s been in pre-K then TK and only now eligible and going to K is also going to be with a 4-year-old who’s not been in pre-K or TK at all. So truthfully doesn’t make any sense. … Read More
I understand aims of the concepts behind this. However I think they should have moved the birthday one direction or the other so that there’s a better balance between the children’s ages and abilities. Example: My son who’s been in pre-K then TK and only now eligible and going to K is also going to be with a 4-year-old who’s not been in pre-K or TK at all. So truthfully doesn’t make any sense.
My son is going to be 6 1/2 yrs old in 1st grade with basically three years of kindergarten behind him.
Essentially it opens up public school systems to allow a free preschool class to the public.
Betty 3 years ago3 years ago
Hello, my child turns 5 on December 3, 2021. Would she be eligible for tk this year with LAUSD? Thank you.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Betty, your child may be eligible for LAUSD’s expanded TK program.
Amia 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi. My son turns 4 in may of 2021. Will he be able to join TK in August of 2021?
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Zaidee Stavely 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Amia, that depends on your district. Districts are only required to allow 4-year-olds who turn 5 before Dec 2 into TK, but some districts do allow 4-year-olds who will turn 5 later on in the school year to enroll.
Chris Peterson 3 years ago3 years ago
My home district (Encinitas Unified) for my child, who turns 5 in October, doesn’t offer transitional kindergarten and refuses to allow to testing in for early entry into kindergarten. A neighboring district where we meet residency through a parent working in that district has denied our app and appeal. We’re in appeals to the county but what possible grounds can I bring to bear to make placement in a TK program happen? Encinitas refused TK … Read More
My home district (Encinitas Unified) for my child, who turns 5 in October, doesn’t offer transitional kindergarten and refuses to allow to testing in for early entry into kindergarten. A neighboring district where we meet residency through a parent working in that district has denied our app and appeal. We’re in appeals to the county but what possible grounds can I bring to bear to make placement in a TK program happen? Encinitas refused TK and K early entry testing funding to avoid having to offer it. It’s a very affluent community joining another affluent community as the only districts in the county not offering it.
Trish 4 years ago4 years ago
What if you have enrolled your child in TK but decided it wasn’t right for you. How do you go about canceling the enrollment?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Trish. I believe you just let the school know that you will no longer be enrolling your child.
J R 4 years ago4 years ago
Hello – is a preschool recommendation required in order to enroll my child in TK at the local public traditional school? The child’s birthday is November.
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi JR. If the child will turn 5 in November, they are eligible for TK and do not need a recommendation.
Mia Jimenez 4 years ago4 years ago
My daughter will be 4 on Oct 2; is she eligible for TK in Victorville school district?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Mia. TK is for children who turn 5 between Sep 2 and Dec 2. Your child will be eligible for TK in 2021.
Sylvia 4 years ago4 years ago
My daughter is 4 and will be 5 December 15. Is she eligible for tk?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Sylvia, That depends on the school district. All districts are supposed to enroll children who turn 5 between Sep 2 and Dec 2. But some school districts also enroll children who turn 5 after Dec 2.
Elizabeth 4 years ago4 years ago
My son turns 5 on April 1st 2021. Is he eligible to enroll in TK now?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Elizabeth. That depends on the school district. All California districts must enroll children in TK if they turn 5 between Sep 2 and Dec 2. But some school districts enroll children who turn 5 after Dec 2 and before the end of the school year.
Sandra Rodriguez 4 years ago4 years ago
My son turns 4 yrs old Aug. 2020. He has an IEP for speech disability. I requested our local school district to allow him to enroll in TK next school year but they refused. I don’t understand how children who have birthdays June-August are not given the same opportunity of being in TK? I’m aware of the advantages that being in TK gives children and it doesn’t seem fair that because my son was born … Read More
My son turns 4 yrs old Aug. 2020. He has an IEP for speech disability. I requested our local school district to allow him to enroll in TK next school year but they refused. I don’t understand how children who have birthdays June-August are not given the same opportunity of being in TK? I’m aware of the advantages that being in TK gives children and it doesn’t seem fair that because my son was born in August he cannot be in TK with children who will be in Kindergarten with him the following year.
Funding should not be the main factor for Transitional Kindergarten. Is this is violation of rights to free public education?
Rayna Hartman 4 years ago4 years ago
More of a question. Can students who have gone through transition kindergarten go into the first grade the next year?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Rayna. The idea of transitional kindergarten is to give children an extra year, so they would go into kindergarten after finishing transitional kindergarten. However, some school districts (not all) may allow a student whose birthday is after Sept. 1 to move onto first grade after attending a year of TK, but it would basically be skipping a grade, and districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. It depends on the school district.
Marie 4 years ago4 years ago
My son's birthday is September 14, so I know he qualifies for TK this year, as he will be 5. In our district, the elementary school in our boundaries does not offer a TK class, instead they split up any kids in that area and send them to two other elementary schools that have TK. I have some major concerns for both of those schools and do no feel comfortable having him sent there for … Read More
My son’s birthday is September 14, so I know he qualifies for TK this year, as he will be 5. In our district, the elementary school in our boundaries does not offer a TK class, instead they split up any kids in that area and send them to two other elementary schools that have TK. I have some major concerns for both of those schools and do no feel comfortable having him sent there for TK.
Is there anything I could say to help my case in pushing for the school in our home boundaries to have at least a combo K/TK class there?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Marie. California law does not require every school to offer TK, only every district to do so. If you want to ask about the possibility of a K/TK combo class at your neighborhood school, you could bring it up with your principal and your school board.
Camilo R 4 years ago4 years ago
My son (Born Dec 2) is in a TK class that is mixed with Kindergarten. He is doing very well academically and socially so far, but I’m afraid that going through the same Kindergarten class again next year instead of advancing to First Grade with all his friends is going to be very hard on him socially and he is going to be bored out of his mind academically. Is there any way that LAUSD … Read More
My son (Born Dec 2) is in a TK class that is mixed with Kindergarten. He is doing very well academically and socially so far, but I’m afraid that going through the same Kindergarten class again next year instead of advancing to First Grade with all his friends is going to be very hard on him socially and he is going to be bored out of his mind academically. Is there any way that LAUSD will allow him to test into first grade, even if I have to petition and escalate the issue beyond the school?
I can see LAUSD not allowing advancement strains to first grade for schools that have standalone TK classes, but for those that have mixed TK and Kindergarten in same class, the rigidity makes zero sense and is detrimental to children who will will have to do the same grade, same information twice while being socially displaced.
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Camilo. Some districts do have a policy that allows children to advance to first grade after TK, but it is usually a case-by-case decision. It is probably best to check with your child’s teacher, school, and district.
David 4 years ago4 years ago
Can you please help with the list of schools that have flexible policy to allow TK kids to go to 1st grade and skip Kindergarten?
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi David, It is a district decision whether to allow this policy, and it is usually decided case by case. I do not have a list of school districts that do or do not allow this.
Stefanie Rush 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi, do you have a source or citation re: why TK is not open to all four year olds? Is there an age minimum for TK? I see EC 48000[a] establishes the age minimum for kindergarten, but can’t find one for TK. Thanks!
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Stefanie, EC 48000(c) specifies the requirements and ages for TK. Specifically section (c)(3) says "(A) In the 2014–15 school year and each school year thereafter, a child who will have his or her fifth birthday between September 2 and December 2 shall be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program maintained by the school district or charter school. (B) (i) For the 2015–16 school year and each school year thereafter, a school district or charter school … Read More
Hi Stefanie, EC 48000(c) specifies the requirements and ages for TK. Specifically section (c)(3) says “(A) In the 2014–15 school year and each school year thereafter, a child who will have his or her fifth birthday between September 2 and December 2 shall be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program maintained by the school district or charter school.
(B) (i) For the 2015–16 school year and each school year thereafter, a school district or charter school may, at any time during a school year, admit a child to a transitional kindergarten program who will have his or her fifth birthday after December 2 but during that same school year, with the approval of the parent or guardian, subject to the following conditions:
(I) The governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school determines that the admittance is in the best interests of the child.
(II) The parent or guardian is given information regarding the advantages and disadvantages and any other explanatory information about the effect of this early admittance.
(ii) Notwithstanding any other law, a pupil admitted to a transitional kindergarten program pursuant to clause (i) shall not generate average daily attendance for purposes of Section 46300, or be included in the enrollment or unduplicated pupil count pursuant to Section 42238.02, until the pupil has attained his or her fifth birthday, regardless of when the pupil was admitted during the school year.”
Sarah Peterson 4 years ago4 years ago
How many days per week and how many hours a day is transitional kindergarten?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Sarah, According to CDE, “TK programs operated by a district must be of equal length to any kindergarten programs operated by the same district, unless there is an approved State Board of Education waiver on file.”
S Gomes 4 years ago4 years ago
Is a child born in June 2016 eligible for TK for 20/21 school year?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
No, not in most districts. A child born in June 2016 will turn 4 in June 2020 and 5 in June 2021. They will be eligible for kindergarten in the 2021-22 school year.
Luz Harrison 4 years ago4 years ago
My son is turning 4 March 8, 2020. Would he be eligible for transitional kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year ?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Luz. It depends on the district. Some districts allow children who will turn 5 after Dec. 2 and before the end of the school year to enroll in “expanded TK.”
Anup 4 years ago4 years ago
Thanks for the informative post. My child turns 5 a couple of days before Sept. 1st this year, and we wish to enroll our child in TK as he/she will be a better developmental fit. The school principal told me that she has to start K first and then based on their evaluation in 1-2 months, my child may be considered for TK instead of staying in K. This would result in a transition phase … Read More
Thanks for the informative post. My child turns 5 a couple of days before Sept. 1st this year, and we wish to enroll our child in TK as he/she will be a better developmental fit. The school principal told me that she has to start K first and then based on their evaluation in 1-2 months, my child may be considered for TK instead of staying in K. This would result in a transition phase for my kid which I want to avoid. I tried contacting the school district to consider my request but they won’t accommodate.
Can you please suggest what can I do to avoid the transition phase for my child and make her start TK from 1st day?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Anup. This is a decision that is up to the school district.
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
According to the CDE website, “Although this is a local decision, CDE recommends that districts establish criteria to determine selection requirements for kindergarten eligible children who enroll in transitional kindergarten. Children who are age-eligible to attend kindergarten, but choose to enroll in transitional kindergarten will need a signed Kindergarten Continuance Form verifying that the parent/guardian agrees to have his/her child continue in kindergarten for one additional year. A sample form, in English and other languages, is available.”
Eric 4 years ago4 years ago
Thank you for this, it's a lot of great information. Sorry if my question is redundant but I just want to make sure I have this straight. My son turns 4 this year on September 1st. Since his birthday is right at the kindergarten cutoff, he will not be eligible for TK this year and he will go from preschool into kindergarten in 2021 as one of the youngest children (or TK if I decided … Read More
Thank you for this, it’s a lot of great information. Sorry if my question is redundant but I just want to make sure I have this straight. My son turns 4 this year on September 1st. Since his birthday is right at the kindergarten cutoff, he will not be eligible for TK this year and he will go from preschool into kindergarten in 2021 as one of the youngest children (or TK if I decided to request that instead). Had he been born 1 day later, he would be eligible for TK September 2nd of 2020 right? And since he missed the cutoff by one day, we’ll basically end up paying for a full year of preschool rather than receiving TK?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Eric, Actually if your son had been born 1 day later, he would be turning 4 on September 2 of 2020, so he still would not be eligible for TK until 2021. You are correct that in 2021, you can request for your son to enter TK instead of kindergarten if you prefer.
Kathy 4 years ago4 years ago
My grandchildren turn 4 on March 24 of 2020. It would be nice if they can go to a TK. Their parents can’t afford preschool and do not qualify for head start. I feel bad for them, because they don’t need to be socialized and educated.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Kathy, Thanks for your comment. A few districts do allow 4-year-olds to enter TK, even if they don’t turn 5 before Dec. 2. It depends on the district. Have your grandchild’s parents looked into California state preschool? The income limits for state preschool are a lot higher than for head start.
Patty 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi, my daughters birthday is 8/5/2016. Can she start TK this year 2020?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Patty, No, your daughter will not qualify for TK, because she will turn 4 this year in 2020. TK is for those who will turn 5 between Sep. 1 and Dec. 2. Your daughter will qualify for kindergarten in 2021.
Rebecca Segura 4 years ago4 years ago
Hello, my son was born 8/30/15 and when I went to enroll him into kindergarten the office staff recommended TK to better prepare him for Kindergarten. I was taken back. His did a full year and a half of pre-school. I asked his preschool teacher and she said sure it would be good for him since his at the end of the cut off. I just felt like they were pushing TK but more to … Read More
Hello, my son was born 8/30/15 and when I went to enroll him into kindergarten the office staff recommended TK to better prepare him for Kindergarten. I was taken back. His did a full year and a half of pre-school. I asked his preschool teacher and she said sure it would be good for him since his at the end of the cut off. I just felt like they were pushing TK but more to fill the class. But I have no real way of assessing that to my knowledge? Is there an assessment tool I can give my son to determine if I should consider TK over Kindergarten? I hope this makes sense.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Rebecca,
I don’t know of an assessment tool you can use. You can certainly enroll him in kindergarten if you prefer, since he will turn five before 9/2/20. In order to enroll him in TK, the district must have your consent. I would recommend speaking with other parents in the district about their experiences.
Maylin 4 years ago4 years ago
Good morning, my daughter turns 5 on September 2 ( just one day after the K cutoff date). Is there an appeal I can petition so she can start kinder instead of TK? I asked the school and district but I all I get is a “no” response. I’m just wondering if there are any exceptions.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Maylin. Your child can't enroll in kindergarten. However, some school districts (not all) may allow a student whose birthday is after Sept. 1 to move onto kindergarten mid-year or move onto first grade after attending a year of TK, but they cannot start kindergarten at the beginning of the year, and the districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. For example, districts often require a student to be 5 years old, … Read More
Hi Maylin. Your child can’t enroll in kindergarten. However, some school districts (not all) may allow a student whose birthday is after Sept. 1 to move onto kindergarten mid-year or move onto first grade after attending a year of TK, but they cannot start kindergarten at the beginning of the year, and the districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. For example, districts often require a student to be 5 years old, and have attended TK for a certain amount of time, and to be assessed both for social-emotional and academic skills. It depends on the school district.
George 4 years ago4 years ago
My child’s birthday is Dec 12, is there any possible way to get him in TK? Is there any waiting list in hopes of getting in or is the district 100% strict on the dates.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi George. This depends on your school district. Some districts allow children who were born after Dec 2 to enroll.
J Dell 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi, my school district does not offer TK and it is now the middle of the year. My child turned 5 in October, can I demand that he be enrolled into a kinder class in our school and, if so, will he be required to move to 1st grade after the end of this school year?
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Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi, JD. Under California law, the school district should allow all children who turn 5 between Sep 2 and Dec 2, such as your child, to enroll in TK. That can be part of a kindergarten class, but he would not be required to move to 1st grade after this year, but would usually be expected to take another year of kindergarten before moving on.
Anand 4 years ago4 years ago
I have applied for TK in a school district but am on the waiting list so far? What shall I do now? Do I need wait for school to get back to me ?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Anand, How old is your child? Children who will turn 5 between Sep. 2 and Dec. 2 should be admitted at the beginning of the school year.
Yuliana Michel 4 years ago4 years ago
Hello,
My daughter’s 5th birthday is Sept 2 and her PK teacher wrote a letter stating she may start K in the of the school year. Can she still be denied to start?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Yuliana, It depends on the school district.
Jacqueline Erazo 4 years ago4 years ago
My son was born 08/14/15 and I was told he was not allowed to start kinder 2020 because the cutoff for that was June, that he needed to go to TK. Is that correct?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Jacqueline. Any child who turns 5 on or before September 1, 2020, is eligible for kindergarten in Fall 2020, so your son is eligible to begin in the fall of next year.
Vibha 5 years ago5 years ago
Is there an assessment/test that a kid can take to get enrolled in K instead of TK. My kids birthday is on 10/15/2015 but he is ahead of his class (per the pre-school’s assessment). I feel if he goes into TK , he will not be challenged enough.
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Vibha. No, your child will not be eligible for kindergarten at the beginning of the year in 2020. However, some school districts (not all) may allow a student whose birthday is after Sept. 1 to move onto kindergarten mid-year or move onto first grade after attending a year of TK, but they cannot start kindergarten at the beginning of the year, and the districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. For … Read More
Hi Vibha. No, your child will not be eligible for kindergarten at the beginning of the year in 2020. However, some school districts (not all) may allow a student whose birthday is after Sept. 1 to move onto kindergarten mid-year or move onto first grade after attending a year of TK, but they cannot start kindergarten at the beginning of the year, and the districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. For example, districts often require a student to be 5 years old, and have attended TK for a certain amount of time, and to be assessed both for social-emotional and academic skills. It depends on the school district.
kalai 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi my son’s birthday is on February 3rd 2016 ,is he eligible for Transitional kindergarten in 2020
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi kalai. That depends on the school district. Many school districts only allow students to enroll in TK if they will turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. However, some school districts, including LAUSD, Oakland Unified, Long Beach Unified, and many others, allow students to enroll in TK or “expanded TK” if they will turn 5 before the end of the school year.
Raji 5 years ago5 years ago
My daughter is turning 4 by Sept. 30. Currently she is going to preschool. I’m planning to put her in TK for this year. As of now, I didn’t register her. Is it possible for her to be admitted for this year?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Raji, I don’t think your daughter is eligible for TK. Children are eligible for TK during the school year when they will turn 5. That means your daughter will be eligible for TK next school year, in Fall 2020. However, some school districts do offer Pre-K programs for 4-year-olds. Check with your district’s early childhood education office.
Kimmie 5 years ago5 years ago
My son’s birthday is 10/3. He is attending TK at the moment. We initially thought TK would be great for him; however, he is insufficiently challenged and may adversely affect his interest in learning as he is already capable of demonstrating the skills & knowledge from TK. Can we make a request to the school for him to skip TK to enter Kindergarten?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Kimmie, Some school districts (not all) may allow a TK student to move onto kindergarten mid-year or move onto first grade after attending TK, but the districts generally have requirements to accelerate or skip a grade. For example, some school districts require a student to be 5 years old, and have attended TK for a certain amount of time, and to be assessed both for social-emotional and academic skills. It depends on the school district.
Leticia Cisneros 5 years ago5 years ago
My daughter’s birthday is Oct. 16, 2013. What grade should be doing? She did preschool and TK last year. Now they said she’ll do Kindergarten. I thought she will be starting 1st grade?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Leticia. If your daughter did TK last year, she should do kindergarten this year. The point of TK is to give children an extra year before kindergarten.
Bhanu 4 years ago4 years ago
What is the point if the kid is going to Kindergarten after attending TK?
I believe the kid can go to Kindergarten even if she goes to preschool 2 years. I don’t see any added advantage to kid’s family by going to TK. Am I missing anything here?
Zaidee Stavely 4 years ago4 years ago
Hi Bhanu. The point of TK is to give children who were born in the fall an extra year of kindergarten. Before, children had to turn 5 by Dec. 2 in order to go to kindergarten. Now, children have to turn 5 by Sept. 1 to go to kindergarten. TK was created in part to serve those children who would have previously been able to go to kindergarten under the previous dates.
Marlie Freeman 5 years ago5 years ago
My daughter’s birthday is 1/27/15. Would expanded TK be an option for her?
Also, is there a way to find out what the rules of our school district are?
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Marlie. Expanded TK might be an option for your daughter. It depends on your school district. You can look up rules with the school district’s enrollment office.
Yvonne Martini 5 years ago5 years ago
Once a child is enrolled in TK (and attends for a week), is that child allowed to die-enroll or exit TK?
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Yvonne. Neither TK or kindergarten are mandatory in California. A parent or guardian can withdraw a child from TK or kindergarten if they prefer. If you are asking whether a child can be enrolled in kindergarten after a week of TK, that would probably be a local decision.
Jitendra Chopra 5 years ago5 years ago
I am currently located in Arizona and my son attending 4th Grade. My sons's birthday is 09/19/2010. I am moving from Phoenix Az to San Jose. School district said he will be enrolled in 3rd grade. I want to enroll him for 4th grade though to save his one year. He is doing good at his current grade. He studied in USA from kindergarten to current grade. is there any way iI can convince … Read More
I am currently located in Arizona and my son attending 4th Grade. My sons’s birthday is 09/19/2010. I am moving from Phoenix Az to San Jose. School district said he will be enrolled in 3rd grade. I want to enroll him for 4th grade though to save his one year. He is doing good at his current grade. He studied in USA from kindergarten to current grade. is there any way iI can convince school district to enroll him in 4th Grade?
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hello. I believe this is up to the school district, but California law does say that if a child has been enrolled in a certain grade in a different district, they can be enrolled in the same grade in a new district, if the new district agrees. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=48011.
Navpreet dhesi 5 years ago5 years ago
If a child’s birthday is 9/1/2014, should they be a kindergarten or Tk if they enroll in 8/2019
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
A child born on 9/1/14 is eligible for kindergarten in 8/2019. All children who turn 5 before September 2 are eligible for kindergarten that fall, even if school starts before their birthday.
Jill Menegon 5 years ago5 years ago
Kindergarten, but with parent request some districts will allow the student to be in TK if there is room. Four year olds who turn 5 September 2-December 2 enroll in TK.
vanessa Rodriguez 5 years ago5 years ago
if my daughter birthday is Dec 4th, 2015 when can she start TK? She will be 4 this December 2019.
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Vanessa. It depends where you live. School districts are only obligated to enroll a child in TK if they will turn 5 between Sep. 2 and Dec. 2, but some districts allow students who will turn 5 after Dec. 2 to enroll in “expanded TK.”
Janelle 5 years ago5 years ago
By limiting TK to Sept. 2-Dec. 1 birthdays and simultaneously moving up the enrollment from Dec. 1 to Sept. 1 (5 by Sept 1) they are effectively giving the oldest kids in kindergarten the TK experience and not allowing the youngest kids the experience. How does that make sense?! For example, my August baby will enter when she is 4, she'll turn 5 the second week of school, and her September 2 birthday classmate … Read More
By limiting TK to Sept. 2-Dec. 1 birthdays and simultaneously moving up the enrollment from Dec. 1 to Sept. 1 (5 by Sept 1) they are effectively giving the oldest kids in kindergarten the TK experience and not allowing the youngest kids the experience. How does that make sense?! For example, my August baby will enter when she is 4, she’ll turn 5 the second week of school, and her September 2 birthday classmate will be turning 6, 4 weeks after school starts and will have had the TK experience.
I guess my main point is that we need to advocate for enough funding so that all children entering K can experience TK.
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Rich 5 years ago5 years ago
I agree with you. As a TK teacher, I have definitely seen how much my students benefit once they enter kindergarten.
Carmen 5 years ago5 years ago
Thanks for this article, it is a really eye-opened for my preschool children’s parents
Mo 5 years ago5 years ago
My daughter born on October 17, 2013. When she can start to school?
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hello, Mo. Your daughter is 5, so she can enroll in kindergarten this fall.
Brittany 5 years ago5 years ago
My daughter has been chosen for transitional pre k. I was wondering if I do this if she’ll start 1st grade the next year or go to kindergarten?
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Aimee 5 years ago5 years ago
No, she would go to Kindergarten the next year. You can’t go from TK to first.
John 5 years ago5 years ago
That's not entirely true. Though uncommon, a student can "skip grade", from TK to K during the year, or complete TK and go to 1st, just as a kid could go from 3rd to 5th, if the student is way ahead both academically, socially, and emotionally. There is a process. Most will argue that TK is an advantage, but if the student is gifted or way beyond the average level for their age, this can … Read More
That’s not entirely true. Though uncommon, a student can “skip grade”, from TK to K during the year, or complete TK and go to 1st, just as a kid could go from 3rd to 5th, if the student is way ahead both academically, socially, and emotionally. There is a process. Most will argue that TK is an advantage, but if the student is gifted or way beyond the average level for their age, this can be boring. The counterpoint to this is that the student would take on more mentorship responsibility.
Given that school happens yearly, and the relative life experience of kids at this young age will vary so widely, it’s bound to be a misfit one way or another. It seems what grade your kids start in is pretty rigid, but the individuality can be assessed once they have gotten into the system. Just be active and everything will work out.
Elizabeth 5 years ago5 years ago
My twin boys will turn 5 on October 1st. They are about to finish pre-k. Can they go straight to kindergarten and skip T-k? The oldest twin is really smart and I would like for him to advance and I was wondering if he can go straight to kinder. Thank you
Michele Hood 5 years ago5 years ago
I just found out that my son who will turn 5 on February 19th, 2020 was denied entry into the TK program. My son has various sensory issues and would be a great candidate for TK. Our program can take up to 24 students and only 15 have signed up. I am currently gathering information to properly advocate for my son and any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Michele, Catching up comments here. Currently, there is a bill in the Legislature, SB 217, that if passed, would allow all 4-year-olds with special needs who will turn 5 before the end of the school year to enroll in TK.
Nancy Waltz 5 years ago5 years ago
Your explanation is very clear. One question: if a school district opts to offer expanded transitional K to children who turn five after Dec. 2, will that district receive state funding for it ?
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Zaidee Stavely 5 years ago5 years ago
Hi Nancy, Catching up on comments here. California does not give school districts average daily attendance funding for children who turn 5 after Dec 2 until they turn 5.
Pankaj 5 years ago5 years ago
My son will turn 4 in Feb 2019. Will he be eligible for Kindergarten 2019/20 enrollment in CA public school?
Charlotte Bowden 5 years ago5 years ago
I think all students should be allowed to attend TK. I am a teacher and students who don’t attend TK are at a huge disadvantage. Students who attend TK come to Kindergarten with a year of schooling and they are older than the other students. It is really hard for the non TK students when they start school. They are very intimidated because they are younger and they haven’t had any schooling and the … Read More
I think all students should be allowed to attend TK. I am a teacher and students who don’t attend TK are at a huge disadvantage. Students who attend TK come to Kindergarten with a year of schooling and they are older than the other students. It is really hard for the non TK students when they start school. They are very intimidated because they are younger and they haven’t had any schooling and the TK students come in knowing more than they do. I think all students should be allowed to attend TK!
Danell 6 years ago6 years ago
TK should be offered to all students the year before kindergarten or not offered at all. I pay tax dollars as everyone else, and my child will not be receiving a full paid year of TK because her birthday is in July; however, there are multiple children that will be in class with her that had a whole year of pre-kinder prep. This is such a faulty program and it only benefits the kids and … Read More
TK should be offered to all students the year before kindergarten or not offered at all. I pay tax dollars as everyone else, and my child will not be receiving a full paid year of TK because her birthday is in July; however, there are multiple children that will be in class with her that had a whole year of pre-kinder prep.
This is such a faulty program and it only benefits the kids and families with certain birthdays. It makes absolutely no sense.
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Sue 6 years ago6 years ago
Danell, I have a July birthday and always felt younger than the other kids and struggled to keep up. If your child doesn't seem ready for Kinder when she is 5 then I would put her in TK at age 5 , then she would be 6 in Kinder. That way she benefits from TK. Also, some friends of mind waited a year for their child to start Kinder because they were … Read More
Danell, I have a July birthday and always felt younger than the other kids and struggled to keep up. If your child doesn’t seem ready for Kinder when she is 5 then I would put her in TK at age 5 , then she would be 6 in Kinder. That way she benefits from TK. Also, some friends of mind waited a year for their child to start Kinder because they were not ready. Waiting is so beneficial for some children. But, if the child is reading and knows letters and numbers already they are ready for K.
Daniel 6 years ago6 years ago
Question: Can a child be enrolled even if they did not make the sept. 1 deadline? If so, is there a stipulation that the child must attend kindergarten for two consecutive years or show an accelerated intellect to be allowed to progress to 1st grade?
Manuela Pino 7 years ago7 years ago
I have a question. I have granddaughter who has a Sept. 29 birthday. She is almost four but began reading when she was three. What can a transitional kindergarten class possibly offer her if she is beyond the reading readiness stage. I believe my daughter has opted not to place her in TK since she has been doing so well in the area of reading.
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Andrew L. 7 years ago7 years ago
Manuela, good question. While I don’t represent EdSource, I work in early education. Transitional kindergarten is so much more than learning to read. Kids who are getting quality early education learn better social-emotional skills, problem solving skills, math skills, and other essential skills that prepare them for K-12 success. Social interaction is one of the most important parts of early development and TK programs help in this regard.
Jonathan Raymond 7 years ago7 years ago
Transitional Kindergarten offers the gift of a year to our youngest students. It’s one of the best things California has done in public education. School districts would be wise to embrace it for their families and use the opportunity creatively and expansively.
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Amy 6 years ago6 years ago
Actually, it offers the gift of a year to the oldest students. Those who qualify for TK are the oldest in Kindergarten when they start. It makes no sense. Students with June, July and August birthdays are the youngest kindergartners. Why aren’t they offered the gift of TK the year prior?
Michele 6 years ago6 years ago
Amy, I totally agree with you. It makes no sense! The older kids that go to TK are often way ahead of the rest of the class. I guess the only thing is that it makes the teachers job easier since they know the letters, numbers, etc and are reading or starting to ready. This was my observation from volunteering for two years in a kinder class.
Eric Premack 7 years ago7 years ago
With all due respect to the California Department of Education, the letter and intent of the transitional kindergarten (TK) law is that offering TK is an option, not a requirement. More specifically, Education Code section 48000 provides that “as a condition of receipt of apportionment for pupils in a transitional kindergarten program . . . a school district or charter school shall ensure . . . a child who will have his or … Read More
With all due respect to the California Department of Education, the letter and intent of the transitional kindergarten (TK) law is that offering TK is an option, not a requirement.
More specifically, Education Code section 48000 provides that “as a condition of receipt of apportionment for pupils in a transitional kindergarten program . . . a school district or charter school shall ensure . . . a child who will have his or her fifth birthday between September 2 and December 2 shall be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program maintained by the school district or charter school.”
The first few words “as a condition of receipt of apportionment” are key and mean that the “requirement” applies only if the district or charter school receives TK funding. If a district or charter school opts not to receive TK funding, it need not admit TK students.
This point was extensively discussed as the TK laws were enacted and the Legislature was careful to avoid mandating that schools offer TK. If the state had mandated TK, the state would be on the hook to pay for its full cost, including facilities, because the California Constitution requires the state to reimburse the costs of new/higher levels of service.
In practice, schools and districts that have the facilities to house TK are smart to offer it since it presumably gives eligible students a boost, but not all do have facilities and/or may face other serious logistical challenges.
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Katherine 6 years ago6 years ago
Thank you for this clarification. I recently found out that my son’s school district does not offer TK. He turns 5 on September 7. I don’t know what I can do to get the district to offer TK.
Vanessa 6 years ago6 years ago
According to the CA Dept of Education, https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderfaq.asp all LEAs are required to offer TK programs.