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Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program designed for children born between September and December. Classes will offer children a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the kindergarten standards and taught by credentialed teachers from the K-12 system. The program will give children born between September and December an additional year of preparation, so that they can enter kindergarten with the academic, social,, and emotional skills that they need for success.

Transitional Kindergarten does not replicate preschool or kindergarten; it is in a class all by itself. It is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten designed to prepare students for the social and academic expectations o f traditional kindergarten the following year. It truly gives children the gift of time. It is designed for those students who need more time to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Students involved in Transitional Kindergarten will learn in a classroom that implements small group and "hands on" learning in a safe environment.


Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010

The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 changes the requirements for kindergarten entry from five years old on December 2 to five years old on September 2, so that all children enter kindergarten at the age of five. The new law amends the state Education Code relating to kindergarten to create "transitional kindergarten," the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience for four-year olds with fall birthdays.

When does the law go into effect?

The program will be phased in over a three year period and fully implemented by the fall of 2014.

  • In 2012-13, children who have their fifth birthday between November 1 and December 2 can attend the Transitional Kindergarten.
  • By 2013-14, children who have their fifth birthday between October 1 and December 2 can attend Transitional Kindergarten.
  • By 2014-15 and each year thereafter, children who have their fifth birthday between September 1 and December 2 can attend the Transitional Kindergarten program.

Gateway Unified School District will consider accepting students on their fifth birthday from December 2012 to March 1, 2013 on an individual basis as room allows.


Will Transitional Kindergarten be the best option for my child?

Since birth, you've watched your child grow and develop. You've noted your child's height and weight and kept track of when he/she crawled, stood, walked, and spoke those first words. We know that every child develops at his/her own pace.

Think about your child in the areas of language, social, cognitive, and motor skills development and consider what program will best meet his/her needs.

You know your child best and will ultimately decide if Transitional Kindergarten makes sense for your child. You want them to have the best start possible on their educational journey.

Things to consider when deciding if Transitional Kindergarten is right for your child's educational:

  • Does my child have a fall birthday?
  • Does my child seem to be ready for structured academic work?
  • Would my child benefit from having additional time to develop his/her social and academic skills?
  • What else would my child be doing if he/she did not attend Transitional Kindergarten?
  • Meet with your child's preschool teacher or caregiver to discuss your child's readiness for Kindergarten.
  • Visit your local school and find out about the Kindergarten program being offered.
  • Talk with the school principal and the Kindergarten teacher about what would be expected of your child in the classroom.
  • Transitional Kindergarten is a voluntary program.

Where, When and How do I enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten is currently being offered at two of our campuses:

  • Shasta Lake School
    4620 Vallecito Street
    Shasta Lake, CA 96079
    (530) 275-7020
  • Buckeye School of the Arts
    3407 Hiatt Drive
    Redding, CA 96003
    (530) 225-0420

Contact the school that your child will attend and fill out a Parent Request Form. The school will review your request and will determine if your child qualifies for this two year program and placement. The program does require age qualifications as well as a two year commitment.