Transitional Kindergarten

TK is part of the K-12 public school system and is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.

As a condition of receipt of apportionment for pupils in transitional kindergarten (TK), a school district or charter school shall ensure that by the 2025−26 school year, TK is available to all children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1 of the school year. To facilitate the addition of TK students to California’s public school system, as specified in Education Code (EC) Section (c)(1), over the next four years, LEAs are to ensure that TK is available to students based on when they turn 5 years old, as follows:

  • In 2022–23, students are eligible for TK if they turn 5 years old between September 2 and February 2;
  • In 2023–24, students are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2 and April 2;
  • In 2024–25, students are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between September 2 and June 2; and
  • In 2025–26, LEAs are required to make TK available to all children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1 of the school year.

Additional Resource

CALPADS Flash 228

Topics include: Transitional Kindergarten (TK); credentialing requirements in TK; 2022−23 TK reporting in CALPADS.

Kindergarten in California

This guidance material is designed to address several public school kindergarten issues: enrollment age, continuance, and extended-day kindergarten.

Universal Prekindergarten FAQs

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding California state law relating to Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK).