Transitional Kindergarten Update
See our TK students and teachers in action! TK Video
TK School Sites: 2013-2014
Transitional Kindergarten classes will be at the following sites for the 2013-14 school year: Audubon, Baywood, Foster City, George Hall, Highlands, Horrall, and San Mateo Park. Letters are being sent to parents notifying them of their school assignments the week of April 8th. Transfer information is provided in that letter. If you still need to register for TK, please contact your home school for more information.
Is my child eligible for TK?
In the 2013-14 school year, any student who turns 5 between October 2-December 2, 2013 is eligible for our Transitional Kindergarten program.
Transitional Kindergarten Registration
Registration for the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program is the same process as traditional Kindergarten. Parents should register at their school of assignment based on address, beginning February 25th. For more information, please see the Student Registration page.
Students will be assigned to a TK program closest to their address and parents will have the option to request to be placed on a wait list for an alternative site once they have been notified of their assignment in May/June.
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, (EC 48000[c]), a child is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten if a child will have his or her fifth birthday between:
- November 2 and December 2 - for the 2012-13 school year
- October 2 and December 2 - for the 2013-14 school year
- September 2 and December 2 - for the 2014-15 school year and every school year thereafter
The California Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 also changed the kindergarten and first grade entry date cutoff. The program will be phased in over the next three years. A child is eligible for enroll in Kindergarten if a child will have his or her fifth birthday on or before:
- November 1, 2012 - for the 2012-13 school year
- October 1, 2013 - for the 2013-14 school year
- September 1, 2014 - for the 2014-15 school year and every school year thereafter
For the 2012-13 school year, parents of students who turn 5 between November 2 and December 2, 2012 may choose to register their children for our Transitional Kindergarten program. Transitional Kindergarten is part of the public school system and is free to participating students; however, registration in the TK program is optional. Students who enroll will attend the program for the full 2012-13 school year and then attend kindergarten at their school of assignment for the following 2013-14 school year. Most students will not attend Transitional Kindergarten at their school of assignment. Classes will be a minimum of three-hours daily and will be held on one or more of our elementary school campuses.
Transitional Kindergarten will be taught by credentialed teachers and is intended to give young learners a head start and provide them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs. Teachers will help children develop social and communication skills through activities that build confidence while supporting the traditional kindergarten curriculum of math, literacy, and language development taught in interactive ways.
Transitional Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions about the TK Curriculum and Academic Program
- What does TK look like during the day? The TK program has been designed to meet the academic and social & emotional needs of students. Teachers offer a fully integrated academic program that thematically includes all subject areas throughout the instructional day. Students engage in literacy, math and languages experiences, and opportunities for free and structured play. They learn in whole group, small group and individual settings. TK students access to all of the same enrichment programs as the Kindergarteners at the site (art, music, PE, Library, computers).
- How is the curriculum for TK different from the Kindergarten curriculum? The curriculum for TK is unique to TK, more exploratory in nature, and more thematically integrated. There is a greater focus on social-emotional development and self-regulation skills, as these are the building blocks for success in school and in life. The TK curriculum is a blend of the Kindergarten Common Core State Standards and the Preschool Learning Foundations for 5 year-olds.
- What is the TK schedule, especially for Wednesday minimum days? The TK schedule varies slightly at each school however, the schedules are approximately 8:30-12:15.
- Is there a Progress Report for TK? Yes.The Progress Report was developed by the SMFC team of TK teachers and administrators and is based on the Kindergarten Common Core Standards and the Preschool Learning Foundations for 5 year-olds. Ongoing assessment is embedded in the curriculum and informs instruction and parents as to students’ progress. Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress through parent-teacher conferences and through a written Progress Report that is sent home at the same time as the K-8 report cards.
- What would be a reason to go to TK as opposed to private preschool? Transitional Kindergarten is a bridge between preschool and Kindergarten, preparing students to be more successful during their Kindergarten year. It is taught by a credentialed teacher will be based on California Kindergarten Standards and the Preschool Foundations for 5 year olds. Because there is an emphasis on teaching students how to be part of a larger school community, TK students also have the same enrichment opportunities as the Kindergarten students.
Questions about Registration and Enrollment
- My son is currently in daycare full-time, what are my options to fill the rest of the day? Our fee-based before and after school Annex program is available at all TK sites. Students may only attend the Annex program at their TK site and there is no transportation. Annex hours are from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. Please see their website for more information http://www.smfc.k12.ca.us/child_annex.
- What is the TK registration process? Parents need to register students at their school of assignment. See the Student Registration page for more specific information.
- Will TK provide any specialized programs such as Montessori or language immersion? At this time, we do not plan to have a TK program at our magnet schools.
- What will the student teacher-to-ratio for TK be? The TK ratio mirrors our Kindergarten program which is currently 24:1.
- Will Special Education students be included in current plan? 504, Individual Education Plan (IEP), same services? Special Education students receive services pursuant to their IEP.
- Will there be a promotion process for the 2013-14 school year? All students attending Transitional Kindergarten automatically attend Kindergarten the following year at their home school of assignment. TK is a two-year program/commitment.
- What is the cut-off for 1st grade? Students need to be 6 years old on or before:
- November 1, for the 2012-13 school year
- October 1, for the 2013-14 school year
- September 1, for the 2014-15 school year
- Will we have a choice in which TK program we can attend? Students will be assigned to a TK program based on their address (just like Kindergarten). Parents will receive a letter notifying them of their assignment and will have the option to request to be placed on a wait list at an alternative site at that time. Notification letters will be mailed home in April.
