This year, every 4-year-old in California can enter transitional kindergarten at their local school district. Recognizing that parents might not know about this option, KQED has created a comprehensive guide about this new grade in California’s public school system. The guide answers some of the most common questions parents may have about what transitional kindergarten is, how it is different from other types of preschool, what kids will learn and what parents should look for when considering if it is a good fit for their child.
Whilst TK and kindergarten are optional in California, knowing that this is available may give parents something to start considering and researching for next year, as many school districts start enrollment in January for the fall (and may give priority to school placement for those who enroll early), and schools often hold tours and information sessions in the spring.
You can read the full guide on KQED, available in:
If you live in San Francisco, the Child Care Planning & Advisory Council has created a website to provide information and resources on Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and their expansion efforts to meet the early learning needs of 3- and 4-year-old children and their families, specifically in San Francisco. You can find the website at: https://sfcpac.org/upk/
San Francisco’s Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) initiative combines Early Learning for All and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to provide affordable, high quality child care and education until age 5:
You can search for child care and preschool options near you on the Children’s Council website, or connect with one of their Resource & Referral (R&R) Specialists if you qualify for a child care subsidy such as Early Learning For All, to get a list of child care, preschool and TK options that align with your subsidy type and family’s needs: https://www.childrenscouncil.org/families/find-child-care/child-care-search/