Orcutt Union School District

Agenda I. Kindergarten Entry-Age in California II. Purpose of a Transitional Kindergarten Program III. Transitional Kindergarten is Ideal for Young Fives IV. Program Outcomes and Student Benefits V. Program Models VI. School Information & Schedule

Agenda VII. Teaching & Learning VIII. Curriculum IX. Resources for Parents X. Web Site Information XI. Questions/Comments

Kindergarten Entry-Age in California SB 1381 changes the kindergarten entry-age in CA from five years old by December 2, to five years old by September 1. Kindergarten Entry-Age (5 years of age on or before): December November October September 1

Purpose of the Transitional Kindergarten Program Young Five Year Old Children (e.g, children turning five from Sept. 2 – Dec. 2, 2011)  The transitional kindergarten (TK) program is for young five year old students who are not ready to attend a regular kindergarten classroom  These students have the option of entering a transitional kindergarten program for one year, and then entering a regular kindergarten program for the following year.  TK would give students a jump start to acquire the necessary skills that would help them be successful in kindergarten and beyond.  This program would help students develop their social, emotional, academic, and language skills.

Ideal for the following students  A child who needs more support with social and emotional development.  A child who needs more support with academic preparation  A child who needs more support with language

Program Outcomes and Student Benefits  TK will improve students’ pre-first grade preparation and reduce their likelihood of retention.  TK will provide earlier language and academic support for English Learners who often receive less pre-k exposure.  TK will increase students’ academic performance and social development

Program Outcomes and Student Benefits  Research suggests that beginning kindergarten at an older age:  May lead to positive student outcomes including less chance of grade retention and higher earning as an adult  Improves children’s social and academic development  Tends to increase student performance on standardized tests

School Information & Schedule  The TK classes will be located at Joe Nightingale School  The TK class will begin in August, at the same time as the other kindergarten classroom  The TK program will follow the traditional kindergarten schedule  The children will have assemblies and other educational enrichment opportunities with their kindergarten peers

Teaching and Learning  The TK teacher will be a certified kindergarten teacher  Student progress will be assessed on an on- going basis  After the TK program, your child will be enrolled in the regular kindergarten program at your home school

Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum  Use of modified kindergarten curriculum  Developmentally appropriate  Socio-emotional  Physical  Cognitive  Aligned to kindergarten standards  Use of best practices

Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum Transitional Kindergarten Traditional Kindergarten English Language ArtsHoughton Mifflin California Reading,, Orcutt USD Core Literature, Readers Theater, Writers Workshop, Hands-On Alphabet Activities, Phonemic Awareness Songs, computer programs, and more Houghton Mifflin California Reading, Orcutt USD Core Literatire MathematicsMathematics Their Way, HSP Mathematics HSP Mathematics

Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum Transitional Kindergarten Traditional Kindergarten English Language Development Systematic ELD Social Studies, Science, Music, Art, PE Scott Foresman Social Studies, McMillan- McGraw Hill Science, computer programs, OCAF Lessons, choral music, rhythm instruments, thematic art, gross and fine motor development Scott Foresman Social Studies, McMillan- McGraw Hill Science, computer programs, OCAF Lessons, choral music, rhythm instruments, thematic arts, gross and fine motor development

Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum Transitional Kindergarten Traditional Kindergarten Parent EngagementTake home literature program parent workshops, volunteers, transition meetings, parent conferences Parent workshops, volunteers, parent conferences AssessmentDistrict Assessments, CELDT Assessments, TK Assessment District Assessments, CELDT Assessment Social EmotionalToo Good For Drugs, Social Stories, problem solving strategies, project based learning, individual choice, student selected themes Too Good For Drugs

Resources for Parents  Continuity for Young Children: Positive Transitions to Elementary School (CDE)  Prekindergarten Learning and Development Guildelines (CDE)  Eager to Learn: Educating our Preschool (NRC)  School Readiness: Helping Communities Get Children Ready for Schools and Schools Ready for Children (Child Trends)

Resources for Parents  Getting Ready for Kindergarten: A Guide for Parents (San Mateo COE)  Helping Your Child Get Read for School (US Department of Education)

Web Site Information  The Transitional Kindergarten Library  Preschool California  CDE  National Association for the Education of Young Children  First Five California