Top 12 Frequently Asked Questions about Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
1. Will transitional kindergarten (TK) be mandatory for children with birthdays between November 2 and December 2?
Just like Kindergarten, transitional Kindergarten enrollment will be voluntary.
2. How is TK different from preschool?
The standards, curriculum and teaching requirements in transitional kindergarten will be different from preschool. Transitional kindergarten will be part of the K-12 public education system and it will be based on the kindergarten standards. It will build on the skills children may have learned in preschool to ensure they will be able to begin kindergarten with confidence.
3. How is TK different from traditional kindergarten?
Although the curriculum in transitional kindergarten will be based on the kindergarten standards, it will be modified to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of younger children. The transitional kindergarten environment will include more opportunities for social-emotional, language development and communication through dramatic play; small group instruction; and intentional teaching through hands-on activities.
4. How long is a typical TK day?
Transitional kindergarten will be the same number of minutes per day as traditional kindergarten.
5. Will TK provide support for children who do not speak English?
English learners in transitional kindergarten will have the same level of services as those in kindergarten.
6. Will TK be free or will I have to qualify based on income?
Transitional kindergarten will be free and open to all age-eligible children.
7. What kinds of qualifications will TK teachers have?
Transitional kindergarten teachers will be required to have a teaching credential, just like kindergarten teachers.
8. How will this affect children in special education?
Districts will be required to offer the same services to transitional kindergarteners with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as they currently offer to children in kindergarten.
9. What grade will children go into after TK?
Transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience. Most children will go on to kindergarten after completing transitional kindergarten, however some children may move to first grade based on the District’s criteria for promotion.
10. Will children with birthdays between September 2 and November 1 be eligible for TK this year?
Transitional kindergarten will be open to students with Sept and October birthdays. Because these children are also eligible for traditional kindergarten in 2012-13, parents will be required to sign a Kindergarten Continuation Form.
11. Where will TK be offered?
At this time we do not have enough eligible transitional kindergarteners to provide a class at each elementary school. Locations will be determined by enrollment numbers and available space. That information will be available by June.
12. How and where can I enroll my child in TK?
Registration is now open for the 2012-13 school year. Please register your child at your neighborhood school. You will need the following documentation in order to enroll a new student: an up-to-date record of immunization; an original birth certificate (or certified copy, passport, hospital registration of birth; immigration Visa; proof of address, for example current utility bill lease agreement, current insurance documents or close of escrow documents.