Transitional Kindergarten

Questions & Answers

• What is the difference between Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten? Transitional Kindergarten (TK) serves as a bridge between early childhood education and Kindergarten, providing a developmentally appropriate, thematic-based curriculum that blends the California Preschool Learning Foundations with the California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten. TK focuses on building foundational academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning, preparing students for the structure and rigor of Kindergarten. In contrast, Kindergarten emphasizes more advanced academic instruction aligned with Common Core Standards, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving in a more structured environment.

• Can my child participate in Transitional Kindergarten if his/her birthday is in August? Our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program is open to children who turn four (4) years old on or before September 1, 2025. Children who turn five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible for Kindergarten.

• Is my child required to go to a Transitional Kindergarten class if their birthday falls within the cut-off date? No, Transitional Kindergarten is an optional program for families. While it is designed to provide children with additional time and support to develop key skills before entering Kindergarten, enrollment in TK is not mandatory. Families can choose whether or not to enroll their child based on their individual needs and readiness.

•  Can my child enter Kindergarten if they are eligible for the Transitional Kindergarten class? No, children eligible for Transitional Kindergarten cannot enter Kindergarten. The state-mandated new cut-off dates determine kindergarten entry and only children who turn five  (5) years old on or before September 1 are eligible for Kindergarten.

Additional TK Resources

To learn more about Transitional Kindergarten, please visit:

California Department of Education Website 

 TK California Website