Orcutt Union School District

Transitional Kindergarten

Five young children smile brightly at the camera in a classroom

A young girl and a teacher work together to string colorful beads on a green cord.

What is Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year in a two-year Kindergarten program. TK bridges the path between preschool and Kindergarten and gives students the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. It blends social and emotional experiences with academic learning, so that students not only learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math, and other cognitive skills, but also develop social and self-regulation skills needed to succeed in school and life.

Why Transitional Kindergarten Matters

TK offers significant advantages for children turning 4 years old before September 2nd:

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Focuses on social-emotional, pre-literacy, and pre-math skills through play-based learning.
Class Sizes: We are committed to maintaining the small class sizes that are compliant with all TK program requirements.
Social and Emotional Growth: Fosters cooperation, sharing, problem-solving, and self-regulation.
Stronger Kindergarten Foundation: Provides familiarity with classroom expectations and basic academic concepts.
Free Program: Publicly funded, ensuring no cost for eligible families in California.

A group of young children sit on the floor in a classroom, raising their hands to answer a question.

Frequently Asked Questions

A young girl with pigtails smiles while painting at a table with other children.

Transitional Kindergarteners have their own classroom at their home school.
Students attend school for 3 ½ hours per day.
When space is available, after school care (also known as Campus Connection) is available to TK students at all sites.
Breakfast is available to students before school begins. Lunch is optional immediately after dismissal when accompanied by a parent.

Build your child's confidence for school by practicing these skills:

A group of children and a teacher sit in a circle on a colorful puzzle rug, with their hands stacked on top of each other.

Independence & Self-Care:

Can state their name
Self-care (toileting, hand-washing, nose-blowing)
Dressing skills
Putting things away
Simple meal tasks (serving, opening containers)

Social & Emotional Skills:

Coping with disappointment and waiting
Asking for help from other adults
Patience with less enjoyable tasks
Taking turns
Curiosity and wanting to learn
Trying hard with difficult tasks
Managing feelings

Early Learning Skills:

Listening to and discussing stories
Using art supplies (scissors, markers, glue)
Counting
Understanding directional words (up, down, etc.)
Noticing letters and words
Recognizing their name

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---Your child must turn 4 before

September 2nd---

The following is required for TK enrollment:

Birth certificate
Up‑to‑date immunization records
Valid proof of residence
IEP (if applicable)
Completed enrollment packet