Transitional Kindergarten

  • Starting with the 2022-23 school year, all school districts in California, including SCUSD, will be required by state law to expand their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classrooms until all 4 year olds are eligible for TK by 2025-26. TK is an optional, no-cost opportunity for students to build skills they will need for kindergarten through hands-on, interactive learning.

    SCUSD’s TK program is focused on:

    • Engaging age appropriate curriculum that encourages physical, emotional, social, and academic development
    • Promoting healthy development and future success
    • Creating a sense of community 
    • The California Preschool Learning Foundation

    We offer TK programs at various sites throughout the district. Students will be placed at one of the TK sites based on availability. Registration in the TK program is optional and transportation is not provided. Current TK Sites are Agnew, Braly Briarwood, Bowers, Haman, Laurelwood, Montague, Pomeroy, Scott Lane, Sutter, Westwood. We anticipate the following TK Sites to open for 2023-2024 school year: Bracher, Central Park, Don Callejon and Ponderosa.

    TK Schedule

    • First Day of School
      • 8:15 am to 9:55 am
    • First 3 Weeks of School
      • 8:15 am to 11:51 am
    • Beyond First 3 Weeks
      • 8:15 am to 1:30 pm (M, T, TH, F)
      • 8:15 am to 1:05 pm (W and Minimum Days)

    Enrollment 

    Visit our Enrollment webpages for more information.

    TK Expansion for Following Years

    • 2022-23 school year, TK eligibility, student turns 5 between Sept. 2- Feb. 2
    • 2023-24 school year, TK eligibility, student turns 5 between Sept. 2- April 2
    • 2024-25 school year, TK eligibility, student turns 5 between Sept. 2- June 2
    • 2025-26 school year, TK eligibility, student turns 5 between Sept. 2- Sept. 1

    If your child was born after these dates, your child may be eligible for several SCUSD preschool programs. For more information, visit our Family Child Education Program page.   

    TK Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Transitional Kindergarten?   

    • The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 created transitional kindergarten, the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience, which initially was available for students born between September and December. The Act also gradually changed the kindergarten entry date from December 2 to September 1, so all children would enter kindergarten at age 5 by 2014. This historic legislation meant that more than 120,000 children would have access to an additional year of high-quality early learning and, as a result, be better prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

    • In 2021, legislation was passed that requires any school district operating a kindergarten to also provide a TK program for all children who turn four years old by September 1 by the year 2025–26. TK uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate and based on California's Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks.

    How do I enroll my child in TK?

    Can I apply for Open Enrollment?

    • Open Enrollment does not apply to Transitional Kindergarten students, as the SCUSD Open Enrollment policy applies to K-12 students only. 

    Will transitional kindergarten be free or will I have to qualify based on income? 

    • Since transitional kindergarten is part of the public education system, transitional kindergarten is free and open to all age-eligible children. Families provide their own transportation. 

    What if my child is not eligible for Transitional Kindergarten? 

    What options do I have for my child since they are not eligible for Kindergarten?

    • Register for our Transitional Kindergarten program offered at selected sites throughout the district. 
    • Stay or enroll in a private or public preschool.
    • Spend another year in the home environment.

    *Low or no-cost options are available