Kindergarten

September 15, 2020

Fearing distance learning, many parents opt for preschool instead of kindergarten

Some parents are also opting for preschool because a more familiar environment offers comfort during the pandemic.

October 15, 2019

Full-day kindergarten, STEM seal, Laotian history are among Gov. Newsom’s final vetoes

Here are a half-dozen K-12 and early education bills that the governor vetoed or signed on the last day crunch — and why.

September 16, 2019

Full-day kindergarten could soon be required in every California school

If the bill is approved, California will join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring districts to offer full-day kindergarten.

April 25, 2019

California districts can renovate, build kindergarten classrooms with help from new funding

There is $100 million in new state funds to help districts build and renovate classrooms to expand full-day kindergarten. The funds are available to all districts but priority will be given to districts that are struggling financially.

Ashley Hopkinson

March 22, 2018

With increased focus on students' social and emotional skills, teachers turn to class pets to help lead the way

In some schools, class pets do more than help children learn about animals. They are also being integrated into teachers' efforts to help young students learn social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, responsibility and empathy.

Ashley Hopkinson

Early Learning

November 5, 2017

Math festivals help elementary students — and their families — see math as fun

Across the state, a growing number of elementary schools are hosting math nights and festivals for students and families to show that math is fun and can be practiced every day -- and not only in the classroom.

Ashley Hopkinson

Transitional Kindergarten

August 17, 2017

Quick Guide: Understanding transitional kindergarten in California

Transitional kindergarten was introduced after a 2010 California law changed the cutoff birth date for kindergarten entry from Dec. 2 to Sept. 1.

Ashley Hopkinson

June 28, 2017

Transitional kindergarten boosts school readiness in math, reading

Researchers found kindergartners who had attended transitional kindergarten are better prepared than those who had attended preschool or had not been in a formal preschool program.

Ashley Hopkinson

April 9, 2017

Despite law change, few districts offer early kindergarten for youngest 4-year-olds

Only six of California's 25 largest school districts are taking advantage of a state law that allows them to enroll more 4-year-olds in a pre-kindergarten program known as “transitional kindergarten.”