What is Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children with Fall birthdays. It gives our youngest children an opportunity to learn in an interactive, hands-on environment that supports their development. 

Transitional Kindergarten is:

• The first year of a two-year kindergarten experience for students born between September 2 and December 2.
  
• An engaging learning environment that meets the social-emotional and cognitive needs of young children.
  
• A “gift of time” that allows students to develop at their own pace, setting them up for school success in kindergarten and beyond.
  

What happens in a Transitional Kindergarten classroom?

In Transitional Kindergarten, teachers help children develop social and academic skills through activities that build confidence and communication.  They expose children to reading and math in exciting, interactive ways—teaching them about words and sentences and helping them understand math concepts like counting and patterns.

• Students participate in classroom activities that respond to their interest levels and learning modalities.
• New skills build on what the students already know so that each child experiences learning success.  This helps students adjust to the elementary school environment.
• Rich language experiences are provided so that students expand their vocabulary and develop oral language skills.
• A warm, nurturing approach builds positive teacher-student relationships.  Peer relationships are enhanced through small and large group interactions, while opportunities for independent exploration build self-sufficiency.
• Classes may work together with some of the Kindergarten programs that are offered at the school.  Some schools continue to offer nap time to the Transitional Kindergarten program to alleviate the rigorous academic demand for these young students.
  

What is the parent’s role in Transitional Kindergarten?

Communication between home and school is essential in helping children succeed.  Transitional Kindergarten teachers meet with parents to discuss student progress and ways to support learning at home.  Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning both at home and in school. 

Is Transitional Kindergarten good for children?

Research shows that children who attended a kindergarten readiness programs like Transitional Kindergarten are more likely to do well in school and attend college. The program benefits young children who need additional time to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and/or intellectually.  It acts as a bridge between a flexible developmental environment and the more structured academic setting of kindergarten.

Parents across California recognize the benefits of Transitional Kindergarten.  In fact, many have enrolled their children in TK programs for years.  Transitional Kindergarten helps young children get the best start possible for kindergarten readiness.

Transitional Kindergarten allows students entering Kindergarten an extended time to build their skills and abilities.  This additional schooling is designed to help them succeed in kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom, and confidently navigate the school-day routine.

We know that all children develop at their own pace and are pleased to offer Transitional Kindergarten to meet the needs of your child.