What's the difference between Preschool, Transitional Kinder and Kinder?

How is the TK program different from the preschool program offered by Alisal USD for three and four year old children?

TK programs are not preschool classrooms or child development programs. They are part of the K-12 public school system and are the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. Pursuant to Education Code, TK programs are intended to be aligned to the California Preschool Learning Foundations developed by the California Department of Education. TK programs are required to be taught by a teacher who meets credentialing requirements.

Preschool or other child development programs offered by the Alisal Union School District are to prepare three and four year old children for school, they are not required to be taught by persons meeting teacher credential requirements. Instead, they must meet separate child development permit requirements. The preschool program is intended to support kindergarten readiness and the transition to kindergarten or the TK program.

Who can enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

Transitional Kindergarten is available to those children who turn 5 between September 2 and April 2 of the current school year.

What distinguishes Transitional Kindergarten from Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten and gives children an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs. TK provides the gift of time that will help students build a strong foundation for success in elementary school.