Welcome to the first big milestone in your child’s academic journey!
Did you know? 4-year-olds are now eligible for TK!*
Entering TK and Kindergarten is a big step for families. We understand how important it is to make sure your child is set up to succeed. In Downey Unified, our goal is simple. We want to spark an interest in education that will last your child a lifetime!
Downey Unified’s full-day TK and Kindergarten classes foster an environment that provides abundant opportunities for play while also helping students develop their passion for learning.
Check out our video to get a glimpse of what a day in the classroom looks like for a Kindergartener.
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a grade that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, providing students with late birthdays the “gift of time” to develop fundamental skills needed for success in school in an age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate setting.
In California, TK teachers are required to meet the same credential requirements as Kindergarten teachers, whereas preschool teachers, although still held to a very high standard, may not need to meet the same requirements. The most significant difference though, is that TK is provided free of cost.
TK vs. K
More than the ABCs
Besides the academic material, students are also discovering how to thrive in a school setting. For many students, this is their initial exposure to a classroom environment, and it’s a chance for them to pick up essential social and life skills to become more independent. These are vital skills for children to grasp before starting kindergarten, as they will help them feel more prepared and eager to learn.
Social Skills
Students learn to share, take turns, follow directions and express their emotions appropriately. They also learn to cooperate with others by participating in group activities, cultivating critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Fine Motor Skills
Students get lots of practice to improve their fine motor skills, from learning how to hold a pencil and write neatly to gaining the strength to use scissors.
Building Confidence
Exploration, exposure, and an emphasis to help students develop and master self-help skills give them the confidence to feel ready for the next stage.
Head Start to Kinder
TK is all about helping children get used to a school setting and learning procedures so that they can feel comfortable in kindergarten. This way, when they get to kindergarten, they’ll be ready to dive in and start learning!
Teachers Answer Your Questions
What do kids learn in TK/Kinder?
What does my child need to know?
What can I do at home to prepare?
Downey Unified TK students learn…
…to solve problems.
…to be independent.
…to share and take turns.
…to explore the world around us.
…that school and learning are fun.
Our Kindergarteners learn…
…letters, sounds and how to read real books.
…how to hold a pencil, write letters and words to make sentences.
…to use technology to express their opinions, write stories and create books using apps on iPads.
…how to count numbers and why counting helps us in our everyday lives.
…to understand what a number means and how to put two numbers together.
Downey Unified students are readers, writers, mathematicians, thinkers, artists, scientists, helpers, and friends.
Samples of Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.
Are children required to attend Transitional Kindergarten?
No. Transitional Kindergarten, or regular Kindergarten for that matter, is not mandatory in California. It is up to parents to decide whether to enroll their children in preschool or transitional kindergarten.
*How old does my child need to be to be enrolled?
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students must be 5 years old before September 2, 2025.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for students who turns the age of 4 years old by September 1, 2025.
| For students who have not participated in Kindergarten or First Grade programs prior to 2025–2026 | |
| Birthdate Criteria | Grade Level |
| Born on or after 09/02/21 | Not eligible for enrollment |
| 09/02/20 – 09/01/21 | Transitional Kindergarten |
| 09/02/19 – 09/01/20 | Kindergarten |
| 09/02/18 – 09/01/19 | 1 |
Is Transitional Kindergarten free?
Yes. Transitional Kindergarten is a part of California’s K-12 public school system and children can attend at no cost.
Do children in Transitional Kindergarten have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten?
Does the Transitional Kindergarten teacher need a teaching credential?
The teacher must be properly credentialed as is currently required of kindergarten teachers.
Contact Us
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact us by filling out the form, call or email. We’re happy to help.
(562) 469-6553
kinder@dusd.net