In short, the state of California has moved the cut-off age for Kindergarten enrollment, and that means some children won't be starting kindergarten as early as their families had planned. To accommodate children who are impacted by the shift, school districts are required to offer Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs.

So what does Transitional Kindergarten look like? Think of it as a hybrid that combines the essential foundations of preschool with the California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten, nurturing each child's intellectual and socio-emotional growth. In SUSD, a committee of Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten educators spent more than a year developing curriculum for the Transitional Kindergarten program and created the “Early Learning Continuum” as a guideline for parents and educators.

For the school year 2024-25

Children who turn 5 between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten.   

For the school year 2023-24

Children who turn 5 between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten. 

Students who are currently enrolled in one of our Stockton Unified School District's preschool programs and are eligible for TK or Kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year are still required to enroll for Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten.

You may enroll online at https://www.stocktonusd.net/Page/11035 or at our enrollment center located at 1800 S. Sutter Street, Stockton, CA 95206

The following documents will be required to complete registration for both Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten students:

• Valid Parent or Legal Guardian Photo ID:  State ID or Driver's License, Passport, Employee ID
• Proof of Child's Age:  Birth Certificate, Passport, Baptism Certificate, other Birth Record or Proof of Age
• Current Proof of Address:  PG&E, City of Stockton Water, Rental Property Lease contract, Voter Registration, Pay Stub w/ name and address or Government Correspondence:  CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, Cash-Aid
• Your child’s original immunization record

Recommended Documents:

• Your child's physical examination record
• Your child's oral health examination record

NOTE: If your preferred school site does not offer TK, you will be designated to the closest site that does offer TK (based on space availability).

What is the difference between Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten?

The Transitional Kindergarten classroom will provide the developmentally appropriate thematic-based curriculum. The curriculum is modified based on the California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten and California Preschool Foundations.

Is my child required to go to a Transitional Kindergarten class if their birthday falls within the cut-off date?

No, it is an optional program for families.

Can my child enter kindergarten if they are eligible for the Transitional Kindergarten class?

No, kindergarten entry is based on the new cut-off dates.

Where will the Transitional Kindergarten classes be held?

The Transitional Kindergarten classes will be held at designated school sites within each attendance zone.

If the Transitional Kindergarten class is not offered at my child's neighborhood school, where will they go?

Based on space availability, they will go to the Transitional Kindergarten classroom at the school closest to your child's neighborhood school. Please keep in mind this is a one year program; your child will return to your preferred school the following school year.

Which school will my child attend kindergarten if they go to a different school for Transitional Kindergarten?

Your child will still go to your preferred school for kindergarten unless you have been accepted into one of SUSD’s Magnet Schools.

Will there be transportation to the schools offering Transitional Kindergarten classes?

No, Transitional Kindergarten is not compulsory. It is the parents' responsibility to transport their children to their Transitional Kindergarten program.

Can my child participate in Transitional Kindergarten if his/her birthday is on or before September 1?

SUSD’s Transitional Kindergarten program will only be available for students who turn five years old between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025. Children turning 5 on or before September 1 are eligible for Kindergarten in SUSD.