2026-27 Transitional Kindergarten
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a developmentally and age-appropriate modified kindergarten curriculum. TK does not replicate preschool or kindergarten. It addresses the child’s language, literacy, and pre-math skills with an emphasis on social and emotional development. The program blends preschool and readiness standards for kindergarten with a focus on hands-on and experiential learning. Research shows that taking the time for readiness for school can predict success later in the formative years of elementary and secondary education. Getting a strong start is very important.
Who can attend Transitional Kindergarten?
With the rollout of California’s Universal TK, children who turn 4 by September 1, 2026 are eligible to enroll in TK.
My child turns 4 on September 2, 2026. Can an exception be made for my child to enroll in TK?
No. Children must turn 4 on or before September 1, 2026 to attend TK.
Assessments are not used to determine TK enrollment eligibility.
My child has a birthday that falls within the TK age-eligibility window. Can my child skip TK and enroll directly in kindergarten?
No. We strictly adhere to the age eligibility requirements for a child to enroll in kindergarten. A child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2026 to enroll in kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.
What will the Transitional Kindergarten program look like for my child?
The TK program is taught by credentialed teachers and runs 5 days a week for approximately 200 minutes per day, the same amount of minutes as a typical kindergarten day. TK offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that allows students to explore, create, and learn through purposeful play based activities. Social emotional, fine motor, and academic skills are all integrated in this hands-on program to build a strong foundation for meeting the rigor of kindergarten the following year.
How is TK different from Kindergarten?
TK is a bridge from Preschool to Kindergarten. It does not replace kindergarten. The program uses the California Preschool Learning Foundations to lay a solid educational foundation and prepare our youngest learners for future academic success.
When can I sign my child up for Transitional Kindergarten?
The 2026-27 TK and Kindergarten enrollment window will run from November 1 - November 30, 2025. Completed online enrollment applications must be submitted by November 30 to be included in the first round of confirmation of space at the resident school site. Online enrollment applications submitted after November 30 are received on a first come-first served basis for space.
Can I start the Transitional Kindergarten Enrollment Application Now?
No. The 26-27 enrollment application will not be available until November 1st. Please wait until on or after November 1st to start your enrollment application.
Where do I enroll?
Our enrollment process is all online. The online enrollment application and forms are available on the San Ramon Valley Unified School District website at: www.srvusd.net/enrollyourchild.
Will there be space for everyone interested in Transitional Kindergarten?
All students turning 4 by September 1, 2026 are guaranteed a space in the Transitional Kindergarten Program for the 2026-27 school year.
Where will the Transitional Kindergarten classes be held?
Although all elementary schools in SRVUSD house a TK classroom, the number of TK classes at each school site for the 2026-27 school year have not been finalized.
Is TK mandatory ?
TK is not a mandatory grade. Families with children who turn 4 by September 1, 2026 have the option to enroll in TK or keep their child in preschool.
Do children in universal TK have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten?
Yes. Under California’s kindergarten immunization requirements , even four year old children need their pre-kindergarten immunizations prior to the first day of TK.
What happens after a year of Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten is intended to be the first year of a two year kindergarten program. Students will move to kindergarten the following year, will have a space reserved for them at their resident school, and will not have to re- enroll.
My child is in SRVUSD preschool, do I still need to complete a new student enrollment for TK?
Yes, you will need to complete and submit a new student enrollment application for TK for the 2026-27 school year. TK-12th grade is a separate enrollment from our preschool program.
What if I have more questions?
For more information you may call Student Services at (925) 552-5042.
Additional information regarding Transitional Kindergarten can be found in Ed Code Section 48000.