Kindergarten

April 25, 2019

More funding for full-day kindergarten questioned as many low-income California schools already offer it

Researchers say the greatest need in low-income communities is for programs serving children under 5 years old, such as preschool and transitional kindergarten.

Zaidee Stavely

August 1, 2018

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

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

August 17, 2017

Understanding transitional kindergarten: a quick guide

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.”

Ashley Hopkinson

March 30, 2017

California lags behind many other states in offering full-day kindergarten

About 70 percent of schools in California offer full-day programs.

Louis Freedberg And Daniel J. Willis

September 7, 2016

Kindergarten readiness gap between low-income and higher-income students shrinking

Researchers find achievement gap at kindergarten is narrowing

Jeremy Hay

June 22, 2016

Report: Separate transitional kindergarten class may better prepare students for kindergarten

Stand-alone transitional kindergarten classes are now more common in California.

Jeremy Hay

May 22, 2016

As kindergarten readiness bill evolves, some remain concerned about its effect on learning

The bill would define what it means to be ready for kindergarten.

Jeremy Hay

April 24, 2016

State's largest districts moving to stand-alone classes for transitional kindergarten

Half of the districts are offering only stand-alone classes for transitional kindergartners.

Susan Frey

March 17, 2016

Database of kindergarten vaccine rates from 2008-09 to 2015-16

Check out our comprehensive database of vaccine data for about 9,000 kindergarten-level public, private and charter schools going back to the 2008-09 school year.

John Osborn D'Agostino

December 1, 2015

Study: Transitional kindergarten students are better prepared for school

The report finds students were academically up to five months ahead of their peers.

Sarah Tully

October 5, 2015

Kindergartners: The most "truant" students?

Erin Brownfield