Transitional Kindergarten

Presentations and Videos

Video recording of the January 23, 2024 info meeting (English)
Video recording of the January 23, 2024 info meeting (Spanish)

Click on this video for Day in the Life of a Transitional Kinder. (Spanish video is here)

What is transitional kindergarten (TK)?

Transitional kindergarten is free, full day (Approximately 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.- times vary by school) program. It is taught by credentialed teachers using a modified kindergarten curriculum. Learning is focused on a balance of early educational skills, social-emotional and STEAM/hands-on activities.

Age of TK students

Kinder Tk age comparison chart

How do I enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

Open enrollment begins in January for the following August as part of the MVWSD registration process. Our website provides specific information about how to register for MVWSD schools.  Please click here for the registration web page.

What is the structure of the TK program?  

TK full-day classes follow the same schedule as our kindergarten classes.
Regular Day School Schedule: 8:15 am - 1:45 pm (for TK/K students) 
Minimum Day (Thursdays) School Schedule: 8:15 am - 12:10 pm. 
(Times are approximate. Times vary by school)

The teacher to student ratio is a maximum of 24 students per class with 2 adults - one teacher and one full time teacher aide. Our TK teachers focus on vertically aligned academic skills with what is expected from students as they enter Kindergarten. Along with academics - phonics, writing, math, science, and social studies, we also focus on building collaboration skills that align with listening, speaking state standards. 


Will TK be held at our neighborhood school?

TK classes are located at Theuerkauf Elementary, Mariano Castro Elementary, Gabriela Mistral Elementary, Monta Loma Elementary and Amy Imai Elementary.

How is my child placed at a school for TK?

School placements for TK are assigned based on these priorities: First, students who receive special education services. Then, children whose siblings are already attending an elementary school on that campus. Finally, home address will be taken into consideration as we try to assign a school closest to the child's home address. 

What are the important dates for TK?

Typically, the first week of school will be minimum days (until approximately 12:10 pm) for all Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students to help ease students into a full school day and allow for TK teachers to conduct beginning-of-year diagnostic assessments. Additional information for assessment time slot sign ups will be provided in early Fall. 

After the first week, all TK students will be on a regular day schedule (Approximately 8:15 am - 1:45 pm. See your school website for details) 

The Transitional Kindergarten Back to School Night is typically held in August. Back to School Night is an opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, learn about school and classroom expectations, procedures, and get a look into the instructional day for Transitional Kindergarteners.  

In the meantime if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our school office at (650) 903-6925. 

 

Will MVWSD provide transportation to/from TK for my child? 

MVWSD does not provide transportation for TK students.

 

Is there childcare provided on the school campuses that offer TK?  

Afterschool childcare (both paid and free for qualifying families) is available at all elementaries. To learn more: mvwsd.org/childcare

 

What kind of background/experience will the TK teachers have?  

The TK teachers are fully credentialed.

Is attendance in TK mandatory? 

TK is not mandatory. Parents may choose to not enroll their children in TK.

 

Is there a cost to enroll in TK?  

No. TK is part of free public education.

 

If I choose not to enroll my child in TK, will my child have a reduced chance of getting into kindergarten at his/her neighborhood school the next year?  

Kindergarten students are enrolled in their neighborhood schools. All students enrolled in TK will have equal status as all others in their priority group.  Please click here for information about the District's enrollment priorities.

 

Can I request early admission into TK?  

No, early admission is to TK is not available. Please consider our award-winning preschool program if your child is too young for TK. If you are having trouble deciding which program is the best fit for your child, please click here.

 

How can I support my child at home to better prepare him/her for kindergarten?  

As your child's first teacher, you can have a lot of influence over how prepared they are when they enter school. Here are resources to help you.

    * When children enter kinder with these skills, they start with a strong foundation (SCCOE) (In Spanish)

   * The “Are You Ready? A Family’s Guide to Starting Kindergarten” by the Center for Early Learning and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (in Spanish)

   * National Association for the Education of Young Children

   * First 5 California

   * Your child’s preschool teacher is also a terrific resource!

Resources  

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