What
is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional
Kindergarten is an early childhood education program that builds a bridge
between preschool years and traditional Kindergarten. With increasing academic
demands and structure in Kindergarten, some parents are aware that their
children may not be ready for the traditional Kindergarten program.
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for, but not restricted to, students who
turn 5 years old between September 1 and December 2 and who may benefit from an
enriched foundational early childhood education program to prepare them for
success in traditional Kindergarten. This program provides children with a
well planned classroom program to build necessary social and academicskills for
success throughout their school careers. The program is based on the California
Kindergarten standards with focused instruction in literacy and numeracy along
with strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement.
What is the Transitional
Kindergarten classroom program?
The
Transitional Kindergarten program follows the full day schedule of Traditional
Kindergarten with a 61⁄2 hour daily program. Some schools may offer before and
after school programs. Our daily schedule includes whole group instruction and
activities, small group instruction and independent and “hands-on” learning.
The Transitional Kindergartners enjoy lunch and recess with their fellow
Kindergarten friends and participate in all Kindergarten activities such as
music, art, and motor skills development throughout the year.
How
can families be involved in Transitional Kindergarten?
Communication
between home and school is essential in helping your child succeed. You are
encouraged to actively participate in your child’s learning journey at home and
at school. We have a variety of activities and workshops planned to support you
and your child in Transitional Kindergarten. Your child’s teacher will meet
with you on a regular basis to discuss your child’s progress and ways you will
be able to support him/her at home. Assessments along with
teacher observations will be used to monitor your child’s growth and
progress throughout the year. Staff members will use this information to
guide instruction, individualized to meet your child’s needs. Working together
will help you stay connected! We look forward to welcoming you to Transitional
Kindergarten!
Who
benefits from Transitional Kindergarten?
Many
parents feel that their child may not be quite ready for the structure of
traditional Kindergarten. These children often have a fall birthday and
may still be developing foundational skills. Transitional Kindergarten provides
the support for children to develop socially, emotionally, physically and
intellectually. This developmental program acts as a bridge between the preschool
environment and the more structured setting of Kindergarten. It gives
children the opportunity to access State Kindergarten Curriculum Standards in a
classroom setting that provides an enhanced language experience and implements
small group instruction and hands- on learning. Transitional Kindergarten
prepares students for the social and academic expectations for the following
year’s entry into traditional Kindergarten. It gives children the gift of a
high quality early learning experience.
How
will Transitional Kindergarten meet my child’s needs?
We
believe that you know your child best. Since birth, you have watched your child
grow and develop. You have noted your child’s height and weight, when your
child crawled, stood, walked and spoke those first words. Although child
development follows a fairly predictable path, we know that every child
develops at his/her own pace. Think about your child in the areas of
language, social, cognitive and motor development and consider how Transitional
Kindergarten might best meet his/her individual needs in preparation for
lifelong success.
Transitional
Kindergarten
Los
Angeles Unified School District
Pomelo
Drive Elementary
7633
March Avenue
West
Hills, CA 91304
818-887-9700
http://teacherweb.com/CA/PomeloDriveElementary/SchoolHomePage/sdhp1.aspx
