Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs

Our kindergarten programs serve the needs of all of our students regardless of family background or personal abilities. In accordance with state and federal guidelines, we offer a variety of programs and services tailored to fit the needs of our student population. Through music, art, fundamental reasoning skills, and more, we develop the whole child, teaching the readiness skills that will help get him or her started in the right direction and primed for a life of many exciting opportunities and accomplishments.

In order to enroll your child in any of our kindergarten programs, we require immunizations according to California state standards for all enrolling students. Please view these requirements on our Enrollment page, or see the Kindergarten Registration Letter at the side of this page.

Kindergarten is an important time in a child’s education. Children discover a new environment of love and support as they develop socially and emotionally. They build self-confidence and learn to be creative. More than just math, writing, and reading, we will expose your child to new ideas and concepts as they grow into independent leaders.
 

Why does the Tulare City School District offer TK?     
Research indicates that beginning kindergarten at an older age improves children’s social and academic development and boosts children’s test scores in math, reading and general knowledge. Senate Bill (SB) 1381 amended the California Education Code to change the kindergarten entry date from five years old by December 2 to September 2, as the required birthday for admission to kindergarten and established a transitional kindergarten program beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. A transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year voluntary kindergarten program. Pursuant to law, (EC 48000[c]), a child is eligible for transitional kindergarten if the fifth birthday is between September 2 and December 2. Transitional Kindergarten is the “Gift of Time” providing parents an additional option to ensure their children enter kindergarten with the maturity and skills they need to excel.

What is TK?
The transitional kindergarten year is to be an opportunity to provide early foundations for school success for our youngest students. Transitional kindergarten teachers play an important role in developing children's interest in lifelong learning. Through effective and developmentally appropriate techniques and strategies such as interactive games, dramatic play, language and literacy centers, artwork and music, transitional kindergarten teachers instruct in reading, writing, and basic math concepts. The domains of children’s development; social-emotional, physical, and cognitive – are interrelated.  Learning experiences in the transitional kindergarten class focus on making meaningful connections across all subject areas. Transitional kindergarten teachers encourage creativity and social interaction in a balanced approach with appropriate pacing for young learners while working toward success with the kindergarten standards.  

What does TK look like in the Tulare City School District? 
In the Tulare City School District, we offer transitional kindergarten as a full-day program, following the same calendar and time schedule as traditional kindergarten. Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, we will offer self-contained transitional kindergarten classes through regional clusters similar to the TCSD preschool model. Tulare City School District will have four to six school sites that will serve as transitional kindergarten school sites for the various regions. We will finalize the number and location of classes dependent upon the number of transitional kindergarten students enrolled during TK/K registration. For more information about the location of the transitional kindergarten regional cluster, you can contact the district or any T.C.S.D. elementary school site.