Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce the opening of our new Transitional Kindergarten Program beginning with the 2012-2103 school year. We are excited about the exceptional opportunity and advantages that this program offers our youngest students.
Recent legislation in California is guiding the implementation of our new TK program. The California Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 (SB 1381) has two components. First, it changes the eligibility cutoff date for kindergarten. Previously, children were allowed to enroll in kindergarten if they turned five years old on or before December 2nd. The new law requires that children must be five years old on or before September 1st in order to enroll in kindergarten. This new law will be phased in one month at a time over the next three years. Beginning in the fall of 2012, the new cutoff date for kindergarten entry will be November 1st.
The second component of SB 1381 establishes Transitional Kindergarten in our state. Those students previously eligible for kindergarten if they turned five years of age on or between September 2nd and December 2nd can now participate in Transitional Kindergarten (TK). TK is the first year of a two year kindergarten program, and it will serve as a “bridge” between preschool and kindergarten. Children in Transitional Kindergarten will have rich experiences in language and literacy development, as well as time to develop their social and communication skills. Classes will be taught by highly qualified kindergarten teachers, and the curriculum will be designed around a combination of current preschool and kindergarten standards.
Evidence shows conclusively that when students start kindergarten at an older age, they achieve greater success. They experience fewer social and emotional problems, score higher on academic achievement tests, and are even more likely to go on to college. Since there is overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of having Transitional Kindergarten for our youngest students, Mt. Diablo Unified School District is following an early implementation model. All children living within our district boundaries who turn five years of age after September 1st and on or before December 2nd this year will be eligible for TK.
To enroll your child, simply go to your neighborhood school and ask to register for Transitional Kindergarten. For general questions about TK or for more information about any of our elementary programs, call our Office of Student Achievement and School Support at (925) 682-8000, extension 4024.
All the following documents are in Adobe pdf.
Pre-Registration Information for Transitional Kindergarten and KindergartenPowerpoint PresentationTransitional Kindergarten FAQ |
English :
SpanishFind Your School Site |
English : Spanish
Optional Placement Form |
English :
SpanishParent Information Meetings |
English :
Spanish