What is Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten is part of a two-year Kindergarten program. Children who have birthdays between September 1^st and February 2^nd (as of 2022/23 school year) are eligible for TK.

There are many benefits that Transitional Kindergarten provides to both children and families. The main benefit is the gift of time. This is something I share with parents when they ask about TK. In my 6 years of teaching transitional kindergarten, I truly believe that the children leave my classroom better prepared to start kindergarten. The Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Guide states that children who participate in TK are given the time to develop their social and emotional skills which will boost their confidence and self-control. Typically, these children would be the youngest in their class if they had gone straight into kindergarten. By attending the TK program, these children are more likely to go into kindergarten ready to learn. They will have an easier time making friends and completing daily Kindergarten tasks (McLean & Ong, 2013, pp. 2-3).

McLean, J., & Ong, F. (Eds.). (2013). Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Guide: A Resource for California Public School District Administrators and Teachers. California Department of Education.