Universal Transitional Kindergarten in California
Universal Transitional Kindergarten in California
With the approval of the Kindergarten Readiness Act in 2010, transitional kindergarten became available for 4-year-olds who turned 5 between the dates of Sept. 2 to Dec. 2. While this shift in legislation provided support for this identified group of students, it did not include public learning opportunities for younger learners who no longer qualified for public preschool due to their age and who were not yet old enough to enroll in a transitional kindergarten or kindergarten classroom.
California Assembly Bill (AB) 130 (2021-22) established an early learning initiative to expand access to classroom-based prekindergarten programs offered by school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools. With the passage of AB 130 in Section 22, the TK-12 education trailer bill, legislation outlined funding for a universal preschool program that would be available to every 4-year-old regardless of income. Universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) may begin in fall 2022 for some local educational agencies (LEAs).
To support these efforts, California has provided funding through the PreKindergarten Planning and Implementation Grant. LEA plans on how the funds will be utilized must be board-approved by June 30, 2022.
UTK envisions equitable access and programs for 4-year-olds regardless of income. Research shows that children are more successful in school and beyond if they are given a strong foundation in the earliest years of their lives. In addition, high-quality teaching and learning programs can support brain development. California is on the forefront of this change, dedicating billions of dollars to plan and equip our schools with quality teachers and updated facilities to support our youngest learners in equitable ways. The effort aims to provide students with learning opportunities that will support and guide them as they enter into the K-12 arena.
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The California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA) provides an opportunity to access free self-paced courses that provide evidenced-based strategies to boost learning acceleration in your classroom.
CCLA online courses incorporate Universal Design for Learning, social-emotional learning, and culturally sustaining pedagogy into all professional learning opportunities, equipping educators with evidence-based strategies to enhance student learning. This initiative also presents a valuable opportunity for P-3 educators to deepen their knowledge in language development, mathematics, and literacy, with a dedicated component for paraeducators.
Join us for an insightful and practical workshop designed specifically for teachers and support staff working with students in early education. This training will provide valuable information on understanding and managing challenging behaviors in early education settings. Participants will learn about developmentally appropriate behaviors and effective practices for addressing challenging behaviors.
Our Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPA's) 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 IEP issues.
This dynamic two-day institute, hosted by SDCOE's P-3 team, is specifically designed for early education administrators and center-based site leaders. The session focuses on understanding the role of the early education administrator and site leader within the P-3 system, enhancing leadership capabilities, partnering with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and effectively managing staff.
The first cohort of this professional learning opportunity brought together early education administrators and site leaders for an engaging and impactful two-day institute. Hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) P-3 team, the institute provided an in-depth exploration of the critical role of early education administrators within the P-3 system with a focus on enhancing leadership skills.
This first cohort set the stage for future institutes, reinforcing the importance of equipping early education leaders with the tools they need to drive meaningful change within their programs and communities.
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.
Regulation for all Students: The Peaceful Place at Lexington Elementary School
Stay up to date with professional learning opportunities for P-3 educators.
The California Department of Education has released the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF). The PTKLF describe the knowledge and skills that most children ages 3 to 5 1/2 develop in high-quality early education programs.
These trainings will introduce you to the PTKLF and help you explore each of nine learning domains.