Did you know?

4-year-olds are now eligible for TK

Welcome to the first big milestone in your child’s academic journey

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Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a big step, and we’re here to support you.

At Downey Unified, our full-day TK program is designed to spark a lifelong love of learning. Through play-based exploration, students begin building foundational skills and social-emotional growth, all in a nurturing, structured environment.

TK is free and helps children adjust to a classroom setting, develop independence, and gain essential skills such as sharing, following directions, and expressing emotions. Our students grow in confidence and ability, all while having fun. TK doesn’t just prepare children for Kindergarten but for a successful school journey ahead.

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More than the ABCs

In TK, students discover how to thrive in a classroom environment. It’s their first chance to learn essential social and life skills to become more independent. These are vital skills for children to grasp before starting kindergarten, so they feel more prepared and eager to learn.

socializing

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

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.

confidence

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 kindergarten

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!

Downey Unified TK students learn…

  • to solve problems.
  • to be independent.
  • to share and take turns.
  • to explore the world around us.

But most importantly, that school and learning are fun!

ENROLL TODAY

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.
ENROLL TODAY

Contact Us

If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us. We’re more than happy to help.

(562) 469-6618
kinder@dusd.net

Interested?
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Limited spaces are available for the 2025-2026 school year.

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Teachers Answer Your Questions

Explore more helpful information about Transitional Kindergarten.

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?

Yes. 

Please click here to be taken to our Parent Resources Page where these requirments are listed under the Immunization Requiremnts section for both TK and Kindergarten. 

Does the Transitional Kindergarten teacher need a teaching credential?

The teacher must be properly credentialed as is currently required of kindergarten teachers.

Ready to Enroll?

ENROLL TODAY