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What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a free PreKindergarten program. All four-year-old children are eligible for TK the year before entering Kindergarten, regardless of income, special needs, or language proficiency. TK is free of charge as part of California’s public school system.

Have questions about choosing the right TK program? Check out our FAQ!

Your child's journey to Kindergarten is up to you

Chose the best options that meet your cultural, family, and life needs

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Ethan

3-year-olds

Attends a full-day California State Preschool Program run by a licensed preschool center

4-year-olds

Moves to full-day TK at a local elementary school and attends an on-campus before and after school program while his parents work

5-year-olds

Starts Kindergarten
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Cared for by her family members
Attends part-day TK at her local elementary school, then is cared for by her family members when TK is finished for the day
Starts Kindergarten

Amelia

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Cared for by a family childcare provider near her parents' workplace
Moves to a full-day bilingual TK program at a local elementary school
Starts Kindergarten

Olivia

Attends a private preschool program full time
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Mateo

Moves to TK at a local elementary school and attends an after school program run by the local Boys & Girls Club
Starts Kindergarten

Frequently Asked Questions

"Why go to TK?" TK provides a strong foundation for early learning, helping children develop essential social, emotional, and academic skills to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

"Who can go to TK?" Starting in the 2025-26 school year, all children who turn four by September 2nd are eligible for TK.

"How do I know if my child is ready for TK?" If your child is four years old by September 1, they are ready for TK. Schools have been working hard to make sure they are ready to meet the needs of all four-year-old children in TK. There are no other requirements for your child to attend TK in your district.

"Who are TK teachers?" TK programs have a teacher and a second adult. TK teachers are trained and qualified to work with young children and to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

"What is a typical TK day?" TK programs may be available for a half-day or full-day, depending on the school district. The start and stop times for TK can vary; so be sure to check with your school district for the schedule in your area. Most TK programs will include activities like: Children enjoy singing, dancing, and moving. These activities help them learn how to stay focused and feel more independent. Teachers read stories aloud and children are encouraged to talk about the story, act it out, or connect it to other things they’re learning. This helps build their imagination, listening skills, and love of reading. In small groups, children receive support for their growing math and literacy skills. Teachers might use hands-on activities to make learning numbers, sounds, and letters fun. Children have the chance to make art, build with blocks, explore nature and sensory tables (like sand and water play). These centers let children follow their interests, make choices, and learn through hands-on play. Teachers introduce new ideas and encourage children to share their thinking with the group. This helps children feel part of a community, build friendships, and learn to work together.

"What if my child needs special support?" TK programs are designed to support the diverse learning needs of all children, including those with special needs or developmental delays who may require additional support. Be sure to talk to your child’s teacher or contact your school district to discuss the specific supports your child may need.

"How can I prepare my child for TK?" Starting TK is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Here are some things you can do to help your child feel ready and confident: Practice self-care skills: Have your child practice washing their hands, opening their lunch, and putting on/taking off coats and shoes. Support toileting independence: If your child is not fully independent in using the toilet, continue helping them at home and reach out to the school to learn how they’ll support toileting in TK. Build social skills: Practice taking turns, waiting, sharing toys, listening to instructions, asking for what they need or want, and expressing feelings in positive ways. Establish routines: Set a regular schedule for waking up, getting dressed, eating meals, playtime, and bedtime. If your child naps during the day, consider transitioning to no nap or a later nap. Visit the school: If possible, take your child to see their new TK classroom and meet the teacher. Some schools will have an orientation or “sneak peek” days for this purpose. Check your school’s or district’s calendar to find out when these are happening. Read books about starting school: There are many wonderful books about starting school. Reading them together can help your child get excited and ease any worries they may have.

"How do I decide if TK is right for my family?" Since TK may not cover all the hours some families need child care, it’s important to think about what works best for your family. Many families choose to have their child attend a before or after school program in addition to TK. Free before and after school programs may be available for families who qualify. Be sure to ask your school about the options available in your area.

"How do I sign my child up for TK?" Your local school district can tell you which elementary schools in your neighborhood offer TK programs, as some elementary schools do not have a TK program. To enroll your child, you will need to provide, at minimum, the following required documentation to your local school district*: -Your child’s birth certificate -Your child’s immunization records -Two proofs of your residence -A utility bill sent to your home -A rental agreement or mortgage *Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children experiencing homelessness have the right to enroll in school immediately, even without the standard documentation.

How to Enroll in Transitional Kindergarten

You can contact any of the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs listed below to get more information about the program and how to enroll.

Chicago Park Elementary:

Chicago Park Community Charter

15725 Mount Olive Road, Grass Valley

(530) 346-2153

Clear Creek Elementary:

Clear Creek

17700 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley

(530) 273-3664

Grass Valley Elementary:

Bell Hill Academy*

342 South School Street, Grass Valley

(530) 273-2281

*Spanish/English Dual Immersion program

Margaret G. Scotten

821 Gilmore Way, Grass Valley

(530) 273-6472

Grass Valley Charter

225 South Auburn Street, Grass Valley

(530) 273-8723

Nevada City School of the Arts

13032 Bitney Springs Road, Grass Valley

(530) 273-7736

Nevada City Elementary:

Deer Creek

805 Lindley Avenue, Nevada City

(530) 265-1870

Forest Charter

470 Searls Avenue, Nevada City

(530) 265-4823

Twin Ridges Home Study Charter

111 New Mohawk Road, Nevada City

(530) 478-1815

Penn Valley Elementary:

Vantage Point Home Study Charter

10862 Spenceville Road, Penn Valley

(530) 432-5312

Williams Ranch

14804 Pleasant Valley Road, Penn Valley

(530) 432-7300

Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary:

Alta Sierra School

16607 Annie Drive, Grass Valley

(530) 272-2319

Arete Charter Academy

16229 Duggans Rd, Grass Valley

(530) 268-2805

Cottage Hill

22600 Kingston Lane, Grass Valley

(530) 268-2808

Tahoe-Truckee Unified:

Yuba River Charter

10085 Adam Avenue, Grass Valley

(530) 272-6060

Truckee Early Learning Program

11603 Donner Pass Road, Truckee

(530) 582-2521

Kings Beach Early Learning Program

8152 Steelhead Avenue, Kings Beach

(530) 582-2521

Glenshire Early Learning Program

10990 Dorchester Drive, Truckee

(530) 582-2521

Donner Trail Early Learning Program

52755 Donner Pass Road, Kingvale

(530) 582-2521

Tahoe Lake Early Learning Program

375 Grove Street, Tahoe City

(530) 582-2521

Twin Ridges Elementary:

Grizzly Hill

16661 Old Mill Road, Nevada City

(530) 265-9052

Union Hill Elementary:

Union Hill Elementary

11638 Colfax Highway, Grass Valley

(530) 273-8456

You can see the locations of these TKs by visiting the "Find a Provider" Map.
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Contact Information

For additional assistance in choosing the right program for your family, please visit Sierra Nevada Children’s Services:

Grass Valley Office
420 Sierra College Drive, Suite 100
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530.272.8866 or 888.306.7627
www.sncs.org

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
 
Se Habla Español

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For additional support on Universal PreKindergarten (UPK), please contact UPK Specialist Joelle Faulkner: 

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