I am receiving many inquiries from parents and educators about the specifics of kindergarten and transitional early entry kindergarten programs in California. It can be confusing because each California public school district and each individual private school may develop and implement their own plans. Following are some basic facts and how this may affect parents of young children.
KINDERGARTEN ELIGIBILITY 2015 – 2016
California began phasing in Kindergarten eligibility requirements in 2012 to increase the age of students . In the 2012 , children turning five years of age by December 2 were eligible for Kindergarten. This coming school year, children must be five years of age by September 1 for Kindergarten eligibility. This change was implemented based upon research indicating a slightly older child is better equipped to thrive in an academic environment and has a better grasp of social and emotional skills.
TRANSITIONAL EARLY ENTRY KINDERGARTEN
Some California public school districts and private schools offer optional transitional early entry Kindergarten programs for children. Generally, children turning five years of age from September 2 – December 2 are eligible for transitional kindergarten. This may vary by public school districts and private schools.
The purpose of Transitional Early Entry Kindergarten is to provide students with an academic foundation and social skills necessary for success in Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten program attendance is particularly important for children not attending Pre-Kindergarten programs and those attending Pre-Kindergarten programs without early literacy and academic components in their curriculum.
Public School Districts – Encinitas, Del Mar, San Marcos and Carlsbad, CA
This coming school year, Encinitas and Del Mar public school districts will no longer offer Transitional Kindergarten. San Marcos and Carlsbad will offer the program at some sites.
Private Schools – Transitional Kindergarten Option
There are some private schools that offer transitional kindergarten that are also recognized by the State Department of Education as a private kindergarten elementary school. La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten is one such school. The school has successfully offered kindergarten and transitional early entry programs since 1991. Eligibility is based upon a student’s demonstrated developmental and academic readiness skills necessary for classroom and personal success.
IMPORTANT DECISIONS AHEAD
Parents of four and five year old children are faced with important decisions in the coming months. For children not yet ready for a comprehensive academic kindergarten program, look for a pre-kindergarten program with an engaging early literacy based curriculum to foster and enhance learning and social skills. For children ready for a more academic approach, a two-year transitional early entry kindergarten program is an excellent choice to facilitate the joy of learning.
EXPLORING SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS AHEAD OF TIME HELPS YOU TO FIND THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
There are many schools and many options for young children. Now is the time to begin exploring program options in your neighborhood if you have a four or five year old child. If you begin the process now, you may find it is a good adventure and you won’t feel pressed when making this important decision for your child’s academic success.
LA COSTA VALLEY PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN OFFERS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN CLASSES.
Transitional Early Entry Kindergarten Students:
- Two year program for children that do not meet the age requirements for kindergarten enrollment yet who demonstrate academic readiness and social skills necessary for success in kindergarten regardless of their age.
- Basic skills in letters, phonics, math, art, science, music and more using fun and exciting activities that will prepare early entry-kindergarten students to seamlessly transition into our kindergarten program.
Academic Kindergarten
Our accredited Academic Kindergarten curriculum includes a state of the art phonics reading and writing program with exciting enrichment activities in all curriculum which begins in August and ends in June of each year.
Fall 2015 La Costa Valley Preschool and Kindergarten Enrollment Wait List Now Forming! Class Size is Limited
Click the below button, to be taken to our “Wait List and Registration Interest form” – we will be holding informational events and scheduling school tours for parents considering enrolling their child in our school.
Inquire Today – Schedule a School Tour !
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Cindy Cleary-Cesena is
Executive Director, La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten,
Faculty member of San Diego State University’s Child and Family Development Department in the School of Education and President of The San Diego Association For The Education of Young Children
