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Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten

What is Transitional Kindergarten?

In short, the state of California has moved the cut-off age for Kindergarten enrollment, and that means some children won't be starting kindergarten as early as their families had planned. To accommodate children who are impacted by the shift, school districts are required to offer Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs.

So what does Transitional Kindergarten look like? Think of it as a hybrid that combines the essential foundations of preschool with the California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten, nurturing each child's intellectual and socio-emotional growth.

In SUSD, a committee of Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten educators spent more than a year developing curriculum for the Transitional Kindergarten program and created the “Early Learning Continuum” as a guideline for parents and educators.

Eligibility & Enrollment

For the School Year 2025-26

Children who turn 4 by September 1, 2025 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten.

For the School Year 2024-25

Children who turn 5 between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten.

Students currently enrolled in SUSD preschool programs AND eligible for TK/Kindergarten for 2025-26 are still required to enroll for Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten.

You may enroll online at Stockton USD Online Enrollment or at our enrollment center at 1144 E. Channel Street, Stockton, CA 95206.

Required Documents

  • Valid Parent or Legal Guardian Photo ID (State ID, Driver's License, Passport, Employee ID)
  • Proof of Child's Age (Birth Certificate, Passport, Baptism Certificate, or other Birth Record)
  • Two Current Proof of Address (PG&E, City Water, Lease, Voter Registration, Pay Stub, or Government Correspondence)
  • Child’s original immunization record

Recommended Documents

  • Child's physical examination record
  • Child's oral health examination record

TK Resources

To learn more about Transitional Kindergarten, please visit the California Department of Education website or the Transitional Kindergarten California website.

Transitional Kindergarten Sites

2025-26 TK Site Flyer | 2024-25 TK Site Flyer

SUSD TK School Sites

Questions & Answers

What is the difference between Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten?

The Transitional Kindergarten classroom provides a developmentally appropriate, thematic-based curriculum, modified based on California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten and California Preschool Foundations.

Is my child required to go to a Transitional Kindergarten class if their birthday falls within the cut-off date?

No, it is an optional program for families.

Can my child enter kindergarten if they are eligible for the Transitional Kindergarten class?

No, kindergarten entry is based on the new cut-off dates.

Where will the Transitional Kindergarten classes be held?

At designated school sites within each attendance zone.

If the Transitional Kindergarten class is not offered at my child's neighborhood school, where will they go?

Based on space availability, they will attend the TK classroom at the school closest to their neighborhood. This is a one-year program; your child will return to your preferred school the following school year.

Which school will my child attend kindergarten if they go to a different school for Transitional Kindergarten?

Your child will still attend your preferred school for kindergarten unless accepted into an SUSD Magnet School.

Will there be transportation to the schools offering Transitional Kindergarten classes?

No, TK is optional. Parents are responsible for transporting their children to their TK program.

Can my child participate in Transitional Kindergarten if his/her birthday is on or before September 1?

SUSD’s TK program is only for students turning 4 by September 1, 2025. Children turning 5 on or before September 1 are eligible for Kindergarten in SUSD.

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