Transitional Kindergarten, the two-year bridge program between preschool and kindergarten, is expanding. Under California’s Universal TK program, which was part of the legislative changes of AB 130, children who turn 5 years old between Sept. 2, 2022 and Feb. 2, 2023, will be able to enroll in CUSD’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2022-23 school year.

Plans for the 2022-23 implementation include following the same full-day schedule as its current TK and Kindergarten programs. The TK staffing ratio will be 12 students to 1 adult. The District hopes to offer a TK-only class at each elementary school. However, as is always the case, final locations and class make up will depend on the number of students who enroll in TK before the 2022-23 school year begins.  The district is prioritizing TK only classes but may need to have TK/K combination classes depending on actual enrollment. 

• Enroll Today (TK, Kindergarten and all other grades)
• What’s the Prek/TK/K Difference?

Early education experts say 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten, so the expansion is a key strategy for closing achievement gaps.

“We’re excited to be able to extend our high-quality TK program to more young students,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “The opportunities for socialization and learning are critical at this stage of their development.” 

The TK program will gradually expand over the next few years until it includes all 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year. Download the Jan. 13 Board presentation about TK.