1. Transitional Kindergarten

2. Agenda Background - SB 1381 Is it Preschool? Is it Kindergarten?
Learning from Existing Transitional Kindergartens
Resources and Next Steps

3. Background
California is one of just four states with a cut-off date later than December 1st. In most states children must turn five by September 1st in order to start kindergarten.
(along with Connecticut, Michigan and Vermont)

4. California’s Kindergarten Standards are among the most rigorous in the nation.
Research indicates that beginning kindergarten at an older age improves children’s social and academic development.
Kindergarten Readiness assessment – high percentage of children deemed “less ready” are young – not yet 5
Likewise 2nd grade CST Language Arts scores raise concerns about our preschool to 2nd grade continuum – especially for English learners

5. Enter SB 1381-Simitian
Bill changes the required birthday for admission to kindergarten and first grade
Dec 2nd policy remains thru
Moves to:
November 1st of school year
October 1st of the school year
September 1st of school year and each year thereafter
Many previous attempts to raise age failed in CA
Originally – let’s do something good for kids on the age margin – a gift of time – and save $
transformed to age and Trans K
Tran k affects ¼ of children currently eligible - Many of these may not be coming to K now – parents with financial means may be holding their young children back for another year of preschool – many cannot afford this choice – those

6. SB 1381
requires “a child whose admission to a traditional kindergarten is delayed to be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program.”
Transitional K children included in calculation of ADA
voluntary for families

7. SB 1381
child born between Sep. 1 and Dec. 2 can be admitted to regular kindergarten on case-by case basis, using existing District policies on promotion.
child who is 5 years old, with birthday before September 1, may be admitted to Transitional K on a case by case basis according to existing District policies on retention.

8. The Bill, cont’d staffed by certificated kindergarten teachers
children may only spend 2 years in TK – K.
...”transitional kindergarten” means the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.”
Further SB 1381 states that no child is eligible for more than 2 years of Kindergarten – trans K + traditional kinder - or as perhaps happens now trad kinder and children repeating kinder.
On a case by case basis, schools may decide that a TK child should be moved to trad K

9. The Goal of Transitional K
Provide the youngest kindergartners with the gift of time –
a readiness year that is developmentally appropriate and will better prepare them for success in traditional kindergarten.

10. Intended to build a bridge between the preschool years....
and traditional Kindergarten…

11. Transitional Kindergarten
What does it look like?
Preschool
Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten

12. you are familiar with the Kinder standards
Perhaps less with what are called the Preschool Learning Fd
aligned with K standards with exception of Soc Emo t

13. There are some long time TKs and early implementers
We have sample vision statements, enrollment documents, curriculum and assessment choices from:
Palo Alto USD
LAUSD – with over 30 classrooms
Kingsburg Elementary in Fresno County
Ocean View Elementary and Magnolia School Districts in Orange County

14. Curriculum Design Themes
Developmental approach/no time pressures
Based on both California Preschool Learning Foundations and Kindergarten Standards
Integrated, experiential, utilizing learning centers
Strong emphasis on social emotional development
Focus on a few essential readiness areas:
Language and communication
Math –number sense and problem solving
Physical – large and fine motor skills
Family involvement
Certificated, experienced Kindergarten teachers
Common themes for these presenters and others I have heard

15. Planning Issues? Choosing teachers Selecting site(s)
Informing families and community
Funding model
Choosing curriculum
Professional development for teachers
Assessment .
Teachers – ideally experienced Kinder teachers with ECE background, interested in devel approach
Sites – start small? At strategic school sites ...at just one site. classroom space (w/ bathrooms, yard, etc.
Families and community – families need to hear about it – lots of communication – various ways – countywide efforts
ECE community – oppty to bridge gap between ECE and Districts – fear of losing students – oppty to partner
Funding model – ADA only.... Title 1, prioritize instructional aide, parent volunteer requirements realistic for your district
Curriculum - Not just one that fits – not 2 yrs of K
Prof Devel – how will teachers learn – provide same content and support – time -develop strong, successful program
Assessments – what others are using – support for – report cards, etc.

16. Bottom Line? Its a Kindergarten classroom
classroom and play yard? – Kindergarten classroom
class size? Kindergarten size
Of course best practice would seek smaller size
Use of volunteers and instructional aides can help
length of day? – requirement is 4 hrs or minutes/year.
Districts may also use full-day Kindergarten model
Some early implementers begin with 4 hr day and move to full-day in January when children are accustomed to it.

17. Flexibility Ideas Use Title 1 or other funds to support
Create a cluster/consortium from neighboring schools or districts
Combo class with differentiated instruction
Professional development provided county-wide
Partner with Preschool or afterschool programs

18. Flexibility Ideas
If District too small to have a full class or a full class at each school....
may use differentiated instruction
may include older 5’s who District and families believe would benefit from Transitional K to make up full classes
would need to follow District policy for retention and have parent buy-in

19. Potential Additional Costs for start-up and beyond
Professional development for teachers
Assessment (at entrance, during and after)
Materials and equipment for classrooms
Curriculum
Consideration of class size
Kingsburg Elementary spent $8,495 for start-up costs for curriculum and supplies
Start-up with Sept – Dec children, or slowly

20. Resources Here, or on the Way
SMCOE TK Learning Circle and support
Preschool Foundations and Frameworks
Bridge document for Foundations and Kindergarten standards (both current and California Common Core Standards)
Toolkit of template documents from other counties
School Readiness Observation Tool (DRDP-SR)
Bridges to Success
School Readiness assessment will be available next year
Based on the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) – part of Early Learning System, highlighted earlier
Fresno’s regional forum
Learning Circle for planning potential countywide tools – joint professional development