Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Grove School District’s TK Program
Will transitional kindergarten be mandatoryfor children with birthdays between September and December?I would change this question. You might want to ask one of the following questions:
*Who qualifies for transitional kindergarten?
*What is transitional kindergarten?
Just like kindergarten, transitional kindergarten enrollment will be voluntary voluntaryThis comment is confusing. It makes it seem like Transitional Kindergarten is not a requirement, but instead a parent choice. . Below are the options parents have according to the child’s date of birth and the enrollment year:
2012-2013 School Year:
Date of 5th Birthday / Enrollment OptionOn or before Sept. 1 / Kindergarten only
You might want to add text above that explains the parent options with more detail. You should also mention the TK waiting list and how students will be prioritized.
Sept. 2 – Nov. 1 / Kindergarten or TK
Nov. 2 – Dec. 2 / TK only
2013-2014 School Year:
Date of 5th Birthday / Enrollment OptionOn or before Sept. 1 / Kindergarten only
Sept. 2 – Oct. 1 / Kindergarten or TK
Oct. 2 – Dec. 2 / TK only
2014-2015 School Year and on:
Date of 5th Birthday / Enrollment OptionOn or before Sept. 1 / Kindergarten only
Sept. 2 – Dec. 2 / Transitional Kindergarten only
How is transitional kindergarten different from preschool?
The standards, curriculum and teaching requirements in transitional kindergarten will be different from preschool. Transitional kindergarten will be part of the K-12 public education system and it You might want to add something that says that the TK program will use a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.will be based on the California Learning Foundations and the kindergarten content standards. It will build on the skills children may have learned in preschool to ensure they will be able to begin kindergarten with confidence.
How is transitional kindergarten different from Oak Grove’s junior kindergarten?
In Oak Grove, we feel fortunate that we have been offering a two-year kindergarten program since 2007. The curriculum will be very similar to the junior kindergarten program, serving as a hybrid between preschool and kindergarten. We will no longer be offering junior kindergarten under that name, however. Transitional kindergarten will be the only two-year kindergarten program offered.
How is transitional kindergarten different from traditional kindergarten?
Although the curriculum in transitional kindergarten will be based on the kindergarten standards, it will be modified to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of younger children. The transitional kindergarten environment will include more opportunities for social-emotional, language development and communication through dramatic play; small group instruction; and intentional teaching through hands-on activities.
Which schools will offer transitional kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten will be offered at selected sites in each learning community. It would be great if you could let the parents know which sites will be offering the TK program. Parents like to know the school their child will be attending. What happens if the TK program is not the child's neighborhood school? Would they attend the TK program for a year, and then go back to their neighborhood school for kindergarten?As the program grows in number, more schools will offer TK and eventually, our goal is that every school in Oak Gove will offer it on their campus. Check the district website for updates.
Will transitional kindergarten provide support for children who do not speak English?
English learners in transitional kindergarten will have the same level of services as those in kindergarten.
Will transitional kindergarten be free or will I have to qualify based on income?
Transitional kindergarten will be free and open to all age-eligible children.
What kinds of qualifications will transitional kindergarten teachers have?
Transitional kindergarten teachers will be required to have a valid California teaching credential, just like kindergarten teachers.
How old will transitional kindergarteners be when they begin first grade?
Transitional kindergarteners will typically be 6 years old when they start first grade and turn 7 years old during the first few months of the school year.
How will this affect children in special education?
Districts will be required to offer the same services to transitional kindergarteners with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as they currently offer to children in kindergarten.
What grade will children go into after transitional kindergarten?
Transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience. Children will be automatically promoted to kindergarten at their home school and not required to re-enroll.