preschool students laughing outdoors — Promoting the well-being and success of every child and family

P-3 Alignment: Prekindergarten to 3rd Grade

A Message From the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Tony Thurmond)

"In California, we recognize the importance of a strong start for students in preschool and early elementary school. We know that building a high quality continuum of learning is essential for students to seamlessly build on key skills from one grade to the next. At the California Department of Education (CDE), a high quality continuum of learning is at the heart of the Preschool through Third Grade (P-3) Alignment Initiative, as it promotes the alignment of policies, structures, instructional content, and family involvement from preschool into the transition to early elementary school."

P-3 at SDCOE is dedicated to strengthening the alignment and continuity of teaching, learning, and developmental experiences from preschool through 3rd grade across San Diego County. We aim to foster collaboration among educators, families, and community partners to build cohesive systems that support the whole child and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Professional Learning and Support by the Numbers
(July 2024-May 2025)

The P-3 team is dedicated to strengthening the alignment between preschool and 3rd grade across San Diego County.
By providing professional learning opportunities and offering tailored coaching and support to teachers and administrators,
the P-3 team ensures that all participants are equipped to implement developmentally appropriate practices.

Total professional learning events

LEAs participating

2,644

Total P-3 educators served

More to Explore

Professional Learning Opportunities

Language and Literacy Across a P-3 Continuum

Join us for an engaging professional learning series that examines how early foundational skills lay the groundwork for later language and literacy success. Guided by the P-3 Learning Progressions and Preschool/TK Learning Foundations (PTKLF), participants will explore how language and literacy skills develop across the P-3 continuum and leave each session with practical, “try-tomorrow” strategies to strengthen instruction from preschool through 3rd grade.

Learn More about Language and Literacy Across a P-3 Continuum

P-3 Alignment Network

SDCOE's P-3 team welcomes you to join the 2025-26 P-3 Alignment Network. Learn and network with educators from across the county at regularly scheduled meetings geared toward educational leaders and partners.

Learn More about P-3 Alignment Network

P-3 2025-26 Professional Learning Calendar At a Glance

The P-3 team is committed to providing Professional Learning opportunities throughout the year that are supportive to the work of educators within the P-3 space. Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Learn More about P-3 2025-26 Professional Learning Calendar At a Glance

P-3 Leadership Learning Series

This six-session professional learning series is designed for administrators working in the preschool to 3rd grade (P-3) space. Each session will explore a key P-3 leadership competency and focus area, equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and reflective practices to lead high-quality, developmentally aligned systems.

Learn More about P-3 Leadership Learning Series

San Diego County Office of Education Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Pathway Program for Multiple-Subject Credentialed Teachers

If you have a heart for teaching California’s youngest learners entering the public school system, then learn more about the San Diego County Office of Education Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Pathway Program for multiple-subject credentialed teachers.

Learn More about San Diego County Office of Education Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Pathway Program for Multiple-Subject Credentialed Teachers

New DRDP 2025 Trainings

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is pleased to invite you to a free in-person and virtual training on the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) 2025. This training is funded by CDSS and presented by WestEd.

Learn More about New DRDP 2025 Trainings

California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA) Free Online Courses

The California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration provides an opportunity to access free self-paced courses that provide evidenced-based strategies to boost learning acceleration in your classroom.

Learn More about California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA) Free Online Courses

Special Education Professional Learning and Resources

Our special education local planning areas are committed to offering a comprehensive program of workshops that respond to the concerns of parents as well as staff members. Program offerings are diverse, from educating parents and staff members that work with students with autism to the latest information on Individualized Education Program issues.

Learn More about Special Education Professional Learning and Resources

View SDCOE Professional
Development Calendar

P-3 Newsletter Sign-Up and Archive

San Diego County P-3 Spotlight

Playful Pathways: Building Foundations for Physical Education in TK and Kindergarten

The first cohort of this professional learning opportunity brought together TK and Kindergarten teachers as well as Physical Education teachers for an engaging series focused on physical development in TK and Kindergarten. Hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) P-3 team, Playful Pathways supports educators to deepen their understanding of physical development and explore developmentally appropriate ways to embed physical activity throughout the instructional day.

Learn More about Playful Pathways: Building Foundations for Physical Education in TK and Kindergarten

National Elementary School District

TK Classroom at Ira Harbison Elementary School

Learn More about National Elementary School District

Oceanside Unified School District

TK Classroom at Mission Elementary School

Learn More about Oceanside Unified School District

San Diego Unified School District

Zamorano Fine Arts Academy students are off to a great start this school year.

Learn More about San Diego Unified School District

Chula Vista Elementary School District

Early Childhood Assessments in Chula Vista Elementary School District

Learn More about Chula Vista Elementary School District

Children's Paradise

At Children’s Paradise we recognize that family engagement extends beyond the center and into the communities where our families live. To support this we forged a partnership with North County Trade Tech High, a tuition-free charter public school, to develop and implement the Future Educators Academy (FEA).

Learn More about Children's Paradise

P-3 English Language Development Resources

Students in preschool and transitional kindergarten must receive English language development, which is, both designated and integrated, in accordance with the local educational agency’s determined time.

The California Department of Education states that designated English language development is required as part of the regular school day, but there are no set minimum minutes for that instruction. Find detailed answers to these topics and more at the CDE Distance Learning ELD FAQs webpage.

Additional Information

Ensuring a Multilingual Ready UPK Workforce: This report offers a comprehensive set of policy recommendations, research insights, and practical strategies to help local and state leaders strengthen the educator pipeline and meet the needs of California’s diverse early learners.
TK-1 ELA/ELD Implementation Support
EL UPK Planning and Implementation Guidance #1 Language Development
EL UPK Planning and Implementation Guidance #2 Language Development
Californian’s Together ELD Video Series Guidance for Teachers TK-5th Series
Sobrato Early Academic Language: SEAL is a powerful English Learner-focused approach to education rooted at the intersection of research and educational equity
TK-6th Grade Welcoming and Affirming Community Toolkit: Resources to support prioritizing the nurturing of students’ and educators’ social emotional well-being to support academic progress.
English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve 2014 :The 2014 ELA/ELD Framework supports and incorporates the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy) and the California English Language Development Standards (CA ELD Standards).
Open Circle - Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) For use in kindergarten through fifth grade, this resource is designed to equip teachers with effective practices for creating a cooperative classroom community and establishing positive relationships and effective approaches to problem solving within the classroom.

Educator and Family P-3 Multilingual Resources

Universal Prekindergarten Resources for Dual Language Classrooms and Students who are English Learners
Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students Chapter
Multilingual California Project (MCaP) Digital Academies: Free statewide asynchronous digital Canvas Academies in the areas of biliteracy and English learner support for UPK-3rd grade teachers, para-educators and administrators.
Multilingual Learning Toolkit: Online hub for research-based key principles, instructional strategies, and associated, free, practical, and easy-to-use resources that are geared towards educators who teach pre-K-3rd multilingual learners.
The Newcomer ToolKit: This tool kit is designed to help U.S. educators and others who work directly with immigrant students—including asylees and refugees—and their families.
Culturally Responsive/Relevant Teaching and Learning Resources Compiled by the Hayward Unified School District, this website lists numerous resources, including bibliographies of culturally relevant literature for students to support culturally responsive and relevant teaching and learning.
Alas y Voz Social Media Campaign A social media campaign to raise awareness among parents of English learners about the importance and benefits of bilingualism.
My Name, My Identity- A Declaration of Self This campaign is a partnership between the National Association for Bilingual Education and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The objectives of the initiative are to bring awareness to the importance of respecting student’s names and identity in schools as measured by the number of community members making a pledge to pronounce students’ names correctly and to build a respectful and caring culture in school communities that values diversity as measured by my name stories posted on social media.
Colorín Colorado Colorín Colorado is the premier national bilingual website serving parents and teachers of English learners (ELs) in Grades PreK-12. Over the past decade, Colorín Colorado has established itself as a trusted leader in addressing the urgent challenge of helping ELs around the country succeed.

For Families

Ways to Develop Your Child’s Multilingualism - Spanish (PDF)
Keeping Your Home Language available in 16 languages (PDF)
The Importance of Home Language Series (available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and other languages)
Project2Inspire- California Association for Bilingual EducationCABE’s Parent and Family Engagement Program is focused on working with CABE’s partners from school districts and county offices to provide parents with the best opportunities and resources to help their children succeed in school.

Maria McCord, Ed.D.
Executive Leadership Coach, MEGA
maria.mccord@sdcoe.net
858-295-8757

About Universal Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional kindergarten (TK) refers to the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum which is developmentally- and age-appropriate. Universal transitional kindergarten is a TK program available to all 4-year-old children statewide at no cost to families. Universal prekindergarten refers to the continuum of high-quality programs, including TK, state preschool, Head Start, general childcare, and community-based early learning and care providers, that can be layered and wrapped to create rich, early-learning opportunities for all children during the year before kindergarten, regardless of income.

View Resource Guide

Universal Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Timeline

2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26
Student Phase-In (EC 48000)	Turn 5 between Sept. 2 - Dec. 2	5th birthday between Sept. 2 - Feb. 2	5th birthday between Sept. 2 - April 2	5th birthday between Sept. 2 - June 2	4th birthday by Sept. 1

General Resources

California Department of Education (CDE) Transitional Kindergarten webpage – A collection of resources and links (e.g., FAQs, TK and K eligibility/ admissions, early admission to TK, amendments, etc.).
Great Start California P3 Vision Statement (2024)
Key Information for UPK Implementers (2023)
Universal Prekindergarten FAQ
California Educators Together: A community of practice designed to provide educators, administrators, specialists, and state program leads a common space to communicate, share strategies, and access resources
TK California Early Edge Organization: An online hub for finding easy-to-use resources for administrators, teachers, and parents

District Implementation

Developmentally Appropriate Toileting Practices Toolkit: Supporting All Children from Preschool through 3rd Grade (2024)
Promoting Week of the Young Child: The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration of young children that takes place every April in Shasta County and in communities across the nation.
The Greater Good Adult Wellbeing: The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
California's Great Start Transition to Elementary School Toolkit
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors National Latino Family Report 2024
Multilingual Learning Toolkit for P-3
Universal PreKindergarten Teacher Pipeline Resource Compendium (2022-23)

TK Teacher Support

Teacher Requirements (CDE FAQs): Information on the credentialing and additional requirements for TK teachers
California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF): These were released in July 2024 and outlines key knowledge and skills that most children ages three to five and a half years old can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development.
The Powerful Role of Play in Early Education (2021): Discusses the critical role of play for children, particularly in early childhood.
The First Steps to Math Success: Guidance for Teaching Mathematics in Transitional Kindergarten (2023)
The Integrated Nature of Learning: Best Practices for Planning Curriculum for Young Children
Count, Play, Explore~ Discover the Power of Math (2023)
The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
Learning How to be Kind to Yourself Learning to be kind to ourselves not only improves our wellbeing but influences how we show compassion for the people in our lives. This short video shows the research, the science and the benefits of self compassion.

Parents/Community

Inclusion Works! Creating Child Care Programs that Promote Belonging for Children with Disabilities (2021)
Alberta Family Wellness Initiative Resource Library
Vroom: A source of creative tools and materials that inspire families to turn everyday moments into brain-building moments.
The Whole Brain Child Workbook for Parents and Educators Learn some very specific ways to help your child thrive through activities and personal reflection
National Association for the Education of Young Children Tips for Parents Getting Ready for School
Mindful Breathing Life is full of demands especially if you are raising children. This simple breathing activity can help you restore your sense of calm.
What is Self Compassion? Explore this website and learn more about the benefits of having self compassion and the different elements of Self Compassion
Learning How to be Kind to Yourself Learning to be kind to ourselves not only improves our wellbeing but influences how we show compassion for the people in our lives. This short video shows the research, the science and the benefits of self compassion.
Why Parents need a little self compassion. In this short article, Susan Pollak, author, writes, “Self Compassion helps us cope with tough situations like divorce and trauma, keeps us motivated, and helps us be more supportive and caring in our relationships.

Mindful Moments

Mindful Moment: Finding Calm in the Busy Season

Welcome to a Mindful Moment where we take a few minutes out of our busy day to slow down, recharge, and practice mindfulness together. Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity.

Garden Adventure Meditation for Little Ones

This meditation is designed to engage young children’s imagination, encourage mindfulness through simple breathing and movement, and instill a sense of security and positivity. When we teach mindfulness to kids, we equip them with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach challenges. Explore this guided meditation to introduce mindfulness and meditation to children—at any age.

Mindful Expression Through Art

Mindful Expression Through Art by Melissa Dormoy, is slightly adapted and curated from Green Child Magazine (2024). This mindful art resource allows for children to meditate and practice creative expression through their imagination or you can guide them through a meditative art session. This practice offers children the chance to express themselves through art. They can choose to use their imagination and visualize the creative process, or you can lead this meditation while they use art supplies to make their own art creation.

SDCOE Mindful Moment for P3 Educators - August 2024

Welcome to a Mindful Moment, where we take a few moments out of our busy lives to relax, rejuvenate, practice mindfulness, and reconnect with your inner self. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing one's attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. It involves being fully aware of what is happening in the here and now, both internally (such as thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations) and externally (such as sights, sounds, and smells). Many researchers say that taking just five minutes a day can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration and can contribute to an overall sense of well-being and contentment.

Mindful Moments Biophilia - September 2024

Welcome to a Mindful Moment where we take a few moments out of our busy lives to relax, rejuvenate, practice mindfulness, and reconnect with our inner selves. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing our attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment.

Today's Mindful Moment introduces us to “biophilia” (bio meaning "life," and -philia meaning "friendly feeling toward"). Biophilia refers to our innate connection to nature. Research shows that incorporating direct and indirect elements of nature into our spaces fosters a sense of calm and happiness. Whether it’s being in nature, seeing images of nature, or simply imagining being surrounded by nature, this connection has a profound impact on our overall well-being. This can be used with children as well and is an easy way to practice mindfulness in the classroom. See the Meditation for Kids: "Exploring a Peaceful Place in Nature.” below.

Mindful Moment Aquarium and Sea Life — October 2024

Welcome to a Mindful Moment, where we take a few moments out of our busy lives to relax, rejuvenate, and practice mindfulness. In a world that constantly pulls us in many directions, it's essential to find time to reconnect with our inner selves. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing our attention on the present moment, embracing it fully and accepting it without judgment. It’s about finding peace in the here and now, no matter where we are or what we’re doing. So, let’s take this time to center ourselves, to breathe, and to simply be.

Let’s take a moment to explore a unique and calming way to ease that tension. Scientists have discovered that watching fish or ocean creatures can have a soothing effect on both our minds and bodies. There’s something almost hypnotic about the way fish glide through the water, moving back and forth in a tranquil rhythm. This natural movement helps to calm the mind and relax our muscles, offering a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress.

Mindful Moment Zentangles— November 2024

This month, we will explore using Zentangles to practice mindfulness. A Zentangle is a creative drawing method where structured and repetitive patterns are used to fill in shapes. It is a relaxing and meditative way for adults and children to express creativity, with no strict rules.

Mindful Moment Exploring Nature - December 2024

This month, our theme is “Loose Parts Nature Art.” Studies show that being in nature and touching natural elements has numerous mental health benefits. Whether it’s feeling the earth beneath our feet, the texture of leaves, or the coolness of a gentle breeze, engaging with nature helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Simply touching natural elements like soil, leaves, and plants releases serotonin, a hormone associated with happiness, fostering joy and tranquility. Research even shows that combining art with nature boosts feelings of hope and positivity about the future.

Mindful Moment Sound - February 2025

Welcome to a Mindful Moment where we take a few moments out of our busy lives to relax, rejuvenate, practice mindfulness, and reconnect with our inner selves. In this short meditation, we’ll explore how sound can promote relaxation and invite a sense of peace into our day.

Mindful Moment Sound - March 2025

Mindful Moment Sound - April 2025

Mindful Moments using Take 5: Small Steps, Big Impact on Wellbeing (May 2025)

Mindful Moment - Educator Wellbeing (August 2025)

Mindful Moment - Educator Wellbeing (September 2025)

Mindful Moment - Feelings Thermometers (October 2025)

Mindful Moment: The Gratitude Tree

P-3 Articles/Blog/News

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Calculator

TK Guidance and ELPAC Testing _June 2024

CDE — NEW Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF)

Developmentally Appropriate Toileting Practices Toolkit: Supporting All Children from Preschool through 3rd Grade

Guide to Transitional Kindergarten (opens in new window/tab)

The importance of Language development in early childhood: Primary and Second Language

Universal Prekindergarten and the California English Learner Roadmap

High-quality pre-K experiences have a profound impact on children’s brain development and key school readiness skills. Yet historically underserved students, such as multilingual children and children with disabilities, have had the fewest opportunities to access effective early education. By providing access to high-quality early education programs and services, we can ensure every child has what they need to succeed before they even enter kindergarten.

The California English Learner Roadmap: Strengthening Comprehensive Educational Policies, Programs, and Practices for English Learners (link to CDE page) can be used in conjunction with the UPK focus area. The English Learner Roadmap sets a common direction for LEAs in the planning and implementation of early education programs for English learners.

The four principles and companion resources provide a crosswalk between the UPK focus areas and the English Learner Roadmap principles. Additionally, each includes support for LEAs in their planning, implementing, and evaluation of P-3 programs.

main contacts

Contact us

Please reach out to the P-3 Team at:

p3@sdcoe.net

Jena Kubiak

Coordinator, Child & Fam Succe

School: 760-307-1367

Analia Zendejas

Administrative Assistant II

School: 858-290-5931

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P-3 Alignment: Prekindergarten to 3rd Grade

Professional Learning and Support by the Numbers
(July 2024-May 2025)

More to Explore

Professional Learning Opportunities

View SDCOE Professional
Development Calendar

P-3 Newsletter Sign-Up and Archive

San Diego County P-3 Spotlight

P-3 English Language Development Resources

Additional Information

About Universal Transitional Kindergarten

Universal Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Timeline

General Resources

District Implementation

TK Teacher Support

Parents/Community

Mindful Moments

P-3 Articles/Blog/News

Universal Prekindergarten and the California English Learner Roadmap

main contacts

Jena Kubiak

Analia Zendejas

P-3 Alignment: Prekindergarten to 3rd Grade

Professional Learning and Support by the Numbers (July 2024-May 2025)

Universal Prekindergarten and the California English Learner Roadmap

main contacts

Jena Kubiak

Analia Zendejas

Professional Learning and Support by the Numbers
(July 2024-May 2025)