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Transitional Kindergarten is available at all Elementary schools starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten is the bridge between preschool and Kindergarten. In Sunnyvale school district it serves as the second year of a two year preschool program. TK offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is just right for the younger learner.In response to the passage of The Kindergarten Readiness Act (Senate Bill 1381), the Sunnyvale School District may enroll their child for TK as follows:
- For the 2024-25 school year, children who turn 5 between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025
- For the 2025-26 school year and beyond, children who turn four by September 1st.
Sunnyvale School District Program Design
TK will be offered to all eligible students in the district.
- Full-day program (Half days during the first 6 weeks of school)
- TK children may have meals, recess, and all activities with their Transitional Kindergarten peers
- Located at eight elementary school sites to service north and south side families.
- Fully credentialed, experienced teachers
Curriculum Design
- Based on California Preschool Learning Foundations
- Play-based and social-emotional developmental approaches focus on the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten
- Pre-academic skills
- Physical development – large and fine motor skills
- Social/Emotional development in a supportive environment
- Language development
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in Sunnyvale
- TK is part of the public school system and is free to all eligible children.
- TK allows young four and five-year-olds to start their school experience with children their age.
- Students will be observed regularly to monitor their development using the Desired Results Developmental Profile Assessment (DRDP).
- After Transitional Kindergarten, students will be promoted to Kindergarten.
Building Family Partnerships
Communication between home and school is essential in helping students succeed. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning journey at home and school, volunteering in class.
Home-school connections are very important in the Sunnyvale School District. Teachers communicate with parents regularly. For specific information regarding your child, please reach out to your child’s TK teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must children attend Transitional Kindergarten or kindergarten?
School is mandatory once a child is six years old. Therefore, parents and guardians are currently not required to enroll children in either transitional kindergarten or kindergarten.
Will Transitional Kindergarten and kindergarten students be enrolled in the same classroom?
TK students will be in a self-contained class to the extent possible.
What is the teacher-to-student ratio in TK?
One teacher and one paraprofessional, up to 20 students during all instructional time.
What is play-based learning?
Play-based learning allows children to engage in activities that are enjoyable and meaningful to them, while also providing opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. By offering a play-based curriculum, we hope to foster your child's natural curiosity and love of learning.
Will my child get a report card in TK?
TK students are assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profile Assessment (DRDP). A parent report is sent home twice a year (fall and spring).
Does Sunnyvale offer a dual-immersion program? If so, which languages?
Sunnyvale has a Juntos program in Spanish and English at San Miguel Elementary starting in 2023-2024.
