Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

WHAT IS UTK?

The Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) program is a high-quality early learning option for children who will have their fourth birthday on/by September 1 of the school year. This program presents the valuable opportunity to provide children with foundational language, literacy and math skills taught by a credentialed teacher, to prepare children for success in school, offer additional early learning choices to families, and narrow the readiness gap. The Universal Transitional Kindergarten program is a 180 school day program following the same time schedule as kindergarten and elementary school classrooms. The class size is limited to 24 children per classroom and taught by one credentialed teacher with the support of one instructional aide.

BENIFTIS AND GOALS OF UKT

A compelling body of evidence, compiled by respected experts over decades, confirms that high-quality early learning can substantially improve children’s cognitive and social skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning, for greater success in Kindergarten-12 that will set them on a path to college and careers. The Universal Transitional Kindergarten program aims to achieve the following goals for our youngest learners:

Provide quality early learning for all children who will have their fourth birthday on/by September 1 of the school year. Provide structured and unstructured opportunities for children to build socialization and communication skills with children and adults.

Lower the dropout rate and increase high school graduation rates by cultivating, at a very young age, personal qualities that improve children’s resilience, confidence and persistence.

Improve student success in A-G (college preparatory) requirements by setting a strong language and literacy foundation for the youngest students.

HOW TO ENROLL
Proof of Age of Minor:
Copy of child’s birth certificate/baptismal certificate
Proof of Residence:
Utility bill (gas, water, electric), lease agreement, government mail, etc.
Parent/Guardian/ Identification:
Student’s birth certificate or baptismal certificate or Court order establishing the parent/guardian relationship AND parent/guardian’s government-issued photo identification (Driver’s license or DMV identification card)
Immunization records complete as required by California law.
Additional Documents May Include:
Individual Education Plan (IEP) (if applicable)
Relevant Court Orders (if applicable)
PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Communication between home and school is essential in helping children succeed. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning journey at home and at school. A variety of activities and workshops support parents and children in Transitional Kindergarten.
The child’s teacher will meet with parents on a regular basis to discuss the child’s progress and ways the parent can support him/her at home. Assessments, along with teacher observations, will be used to monitor each child’s growth and progress throughout the year. Staff members will use this information to guide instruction, individualized to meet every child’s needs.