Transitional Kindergarten

October 7, 2019

California needs a master plan for early childhood

Advocates agree with governor's call for more planning before new early childhood funds are spent.

Patricia Lozano, Mayra E. Alvarez and Scott Moore

April 25, 2019

More states expanding preschool programs but quality still lags

In a national report that measures access, quality and investment in public preschool programs, California ranks high for the number of 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds enrolled in programs, but low on quality standards.

Ashley Hopkinson

February 22, 2018

Single state agency needed to coordinate California's 'patchwork' of early childhood education programs, new report urges

Establishing one lead agency will help coordinate the state's often confusing array of child care and preschool programs, researchers say in a new report examining California's early childhood education system.

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

July 2, 2017

Research shows transitional kindergarten benefit for English learners

English learners in transitional kindergarten show significant gains.

Deborah Kong

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

May 18, 2017

Transitional kindergarten helps prepare English learners for school, study finds

English learners who attend transitional kindergarten enter kindergarten with stronger literacy and math skills, according to a recent American Institutes for Research study.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 9, 2017

Some smaller districts enroll younger 4-year-olds in early kindergarten

The “transitional kindergarten” program is for 4-year-olds who turn 5 after Sept. 1, the cutoff date for enrolling in regular kindergarten, and before Dec. 3. Some districts enroll even younger 4-year-olds.

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.”