Commonly Asked Questions
What is transitional kindergarten?
Why is transitional kindergarten good for kids?
How is TK different from kindergarten?
Who attends transitional kindergarten?
What will the transitional kindergarten program look like for my child?
When can I sign my child up for TK?
Where will my child attend TK?
What Is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) provides the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience, which serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. TK does not replicate pre-school or kindergarten. It is a hybrid. It is intended to provide young learners with an opportunity to learn in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs. The TK program provides a developmentally appropriate program that addresses children's language, literacy, and math skills with an emphasis on social and emotional development designed to support young 5-year-olds. TK is part of the public school system and is free for families. In Vacaville, credentialed, experienced teachers teach TK.
Why Is Transitional Kindergarten Good For Kids?
Transitional kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn in an enriching and academically challenging environment that nurtures their growth. Research shows that children who attend kindergarten readiness programs like TK are more likely to do well in school and attend college.
Parents all over California recognize the benefits of transitional kindergarten. TK will help all of our kids get the best start possible, with curriculum that is designed just for them. Their time in TK will help them to succeed in Kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom and confidently navigate the school day routine.
How Is TK Different From Kindergarten?
TK is a bridge from Pre-School to Kindergarten. It does not replace kindergarten. The program will use pre-school learning foundations AND kindergarten standards to help students have additional learning time to solidify their understanding and success for traditional kindergarten and 1st grade.
Who Attends Transitional Kindergarten?
The Vacaville Unified School District’s Transitional
Kindergarten program is designed for children whose fifth birthday lies on or
between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024. Students who are outside of
this window are not eligible to attend TK in Vacaville Unified School
District.
What Will The Transitional Kindergarten Program Look Like For My Child?
In Transitional Kindergarten, teachers help children develop social skills through activities that build confidence and communication. The program is based on the California Kindergarten standards with focused instruction in literacy and numeracy along with a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement to help students adjust to the elementary school environment. Teachers expose children to reading and math in exciting, interactive ways by using educational games to teach children about words and sentences and help them understand mathematical concepts like counting and patterns. TK students learn by working with the teacher in small and large groups and also have opportunities for independent exploration and "hands-on" learning.
When Can I Sign My Child Up For TK?
Online registration begins on Monday, February 6, 2023 and should be complete through your school of residency's website on Aeries web portal (Alamo, Browns Valley, Cooper, Edwin Markham, Eugene Padan, Hemlock, Jean Callison, or Orchard) according the School Boundary Map. In-person registrations will begin on Monday, February 27, 2023.
The Vacaville Unified School District’s Transitional
Kindergarten program is designed for children whose fifth birthday lies on or
between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024. Students who are outside
of this window are not eligible to attend TK in Vacaville Unified School
District.
Where Will My Child Attend TK?
TK is offered at the following schools: Edwin Markham, Hemlock and Fairmont Charter. You will receive a letter notifying you of the school your child will attend in July 2023.