A Strong Start for Young Learners

“Transitional kindergarten gives the gift of time to children who are smart and capable but need another year to grow.” - Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

Contact the office at one of these participating schools:

Oakdale Heights Elementary

Ophir Elementary

Stanford Avenue Elementary

Wyandotte Academy

TESTIMONIAL

When Ryan first began transitional kindergarten, he had trouble focusing in class and struggled to write many words. After just a few months, Ryan’s focus is much better and he is now able to write sentences. “He feels so much more confident now,” says his mother, Monica. “Transitional kindergarten was a perfect fit for him.”

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WHY IS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN GOOD FOR CHILDREN?

Transitional kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn in an enriching and academically challenging environment that nurtures their growth. Research shows that children who attend kindergarten readiness programs like transitional kindergarten are more likely to do well in school and attend college.

Parents all over California recognize the benefits of transitional kindergarten, and many parents have already been enrolling their children in similar programs, public and private, for years. Offering transitional kindergarten will help all of our children get the best start possible, with curriculum that is designed just for them.

WHAT IS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN?

Transitional kindergarten is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children turning 5 years old after the September 1 kindergarten deadline.  It gives young learners a head start and provides them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN:

• Is part of the public school system and is free for families

• Uses a unique, specialized curriculum that is based on the kindergarten standards and is designed to support young 5 year-olds

• Is taught by credentialed teachers who have training to teach young kindergarten children.

Starting school is a very exciting time for children and their families! It begins a new chapter in their lives and sets the tone for children's future. California’s kindergarten standards and curriculum have changed over the years; however, many of the skills children were once taught in first grade are now expected in kindergarten. This can make the transition into kindergarten difficult for some children, and the youngest children entering the kindergarten classroom often struggle to adjust.

The good news is that in 2010 California passed SB1381 to create transitional kindergarten, giving children an opportunity to learn in a hands-on, interactive way that supports their development, while still maintaining the rigor and high standards of kindergarten.

In Oroville City Elementary School District transitional kindergarten will be offered to children to give them an opportunity to develop the social and academic skills and the confidence that will help them succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

WHO ATTENDS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN?

The new law changed the age when children can begin kindergarten. Under this new law, children must turn 5 years old on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Previously, children could be enrolled in kindergarten if they turned 5 years old by December 2. While this change of a few months may seem small, it can mean a big difference during these early years when children are rapidly growing and developing.

The law also created transitional kindergarten. Children with birthdays as listed below will have an opportunity to continue building their skills and abilities. Their time in transitional kindergarten will help them to succeed in kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom and confidently navigate the school day routine.

OCESD is currently taking enrollment of TK students. As of September 2022, the following are the eligible birthdates for transitional kindergarten.

• In 2023–24, children are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2 and April 2*,

• In 2024–25, children are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2 and June 2*,

• In 2025–26, school districts are required to make TK available to all children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1* of the school year.

*Inclusive of these dates.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM?

In transitional kindergarten, teachers help children develop social skills through activities that build confidence and communication. They also expose children to reading and math in an exciting, interactive way by using educational games to teach children about words and sentences and help them understand mathematical concepts like counting and patterns.

CLASSROOM FACILITY AND TEACHER

 Transitional kindergarten students have their own classroom with their own teacher.

LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY

They attend an extended school day from approx. 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (times vary by school site).

Parents have the option of a half-day morning program.

SHARED ACTIVITIES

They participate in all kindergarten activities such as music and art throughout the year.

CURRICULUM AND LEARNING

They learn important new skills that build on what they may have learned in preschool and help them adjust to the elementary school environment.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

They learn by working with the teacher in small and large groups. There are opportunities for independent exploration.