Plans for 2013-2014 School Year
In response to the passage of The Kindergarten Readiness Act (Senate Bill 1381), Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) will enroll students who are born between October 2 and December 2, 2008 in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classes for the 2013-2014 school year. The following provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding our Transitional Kindergarten program.
What is transitional kindergarten (TK)?
A transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, (EC 48000[c]), a child is eligible for transitional kindergarten if a child will have his or her fifth birthday:
For the 2013–14 school year, on or after Oct. 2 but before Dec 2, 2008
For the 2014–15 school year, on or after Sept. 1 but before Dec 2, 2009.
For the 2015–16 school year and thereafter, on or after Sept. 1 but before , on or after Sept. 1 but before Dec 2.
How do I enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?
Parents must follow the same PAUSD registration process. Our website provides specific information about how to register for PAUSD schools.
What is the structure of the TK program?
TK classes will be held on the Greendell School Campus (4120 Middlefield Road) from 8:15 - 11:35 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. There will be no extended day program for TK students.
Will TK be held at our neighborhood school?
No, the TK classes will be held at Greendell School only.
Will PAUSD provide transportation to/from Greendell School for my child?
PAUSD does not offer transportation for Palo Alto resident students to Greendell School. Voluntary Transfer Program students will receive transportation.
Is there child care provided on the Greendell School campus?
There is no child care offered on the Greendell campus.
What kind of background/experience will the TK teachers have?
The teachers hired to teach TK are fully credentialed.
Can I opt to have my child attend kindergarten instead of TK if I think s/he is ready?
No. The law does not allow students born after October 1st to be enrolled in kindergarten.
How is TK different from Young Fives?
- The curriculum will be comparable with differences based on the needs of the students enrolled.
- Schedule: Young Fives is held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on a daily basis with extended day beginning in January.
- Parent participation/parent education component requirements will be different.
Can my child attend Young Fives instead?
Families of students born between October 2nd and December 2nd need to contact Sharon Keplinger, principal of Greendell School, to schedule an appointment to have your child assessed to determine if your child is eligible for Young Fives instead of TK. Mrs. Keplinger can be reached at skeplinger@pausd.org or at 650-856-0833. Only children registered in PAUSD are eligible to be assessed.
Is attendance in TK mandatory?
TK is not mandatory. Parents may choose to not enroll their children in TK.
Is there a cost to enroll in TK?
No. TK is part of free public education.
If I choose not to enroll my child in TK, will my child have a reduced chance of getting into kindergarten at his/her neighborhood school the next year?
Kindergarten students are enrolled in their neighborhood schools on a space available basis. All students enrolled in TK will have equal status to all others in the Priority One group of students at their neighborhood school.
How can I support my child at home to better prepare him/her for kindergarten?
Ideas for how to support your child can be found on the following websites:
Your child’s preschool teacher is also a terrific resource!
For more information about Transitional Kindergarten in California, please visit the California Department of Education website.
Revised January 2013 |