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Health & Fitness

Kindergarten and Transitional Early Entry Kindergarten-What Does it all Mean?

Kindergarten & Transitional Early Entry Kindergarten Facts and Suggestions

I am receiving many inquiries from parents and educators about the specifics of kindergarten and transitional early entry kindergarten programs in California.  It can be confusing because each California public school district and each individual private school may develop and implement their own plans.  Following are some basic facts and how this may affect parents of young children.

California has begun phasing in the new eligibility entry requirements for kindergarten.  By 2014 children must be five years of age by September 1 for kindergarten eligibility.  The 2012-2013 school year requires kindergarten students to be five years of age by November 1, 2012.  For the 2013-2014 school year, students must be five by October 1, 2013.  

California planned to offer statewide optional two-year transitional early entry kindergarten programs in public schools this coming year.  It now appears highly unlikely due to budget cuts and recent "possible" layoff notices distributed to public school teachers. Children previously eligible for kindergarten (five by December 2), would have been eligible to enroll in the optional two-year program. The purpose of transitional early entry kindergarten is to provide students with an academic foundation and social skills necessary for success in kindergarten.

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The proposed transitional public school kindergarten program is particularly important for children not attending pre-kindergarten programs and those attending pre-kindergarten programs without early literacy and academic components in their curriculum.

There are some private schools that offer two-year programs that are also recognized by the State Department of Education as a private kindergarten elementary school.   is one such school. The school has successfully offered kindergarten and transitional early entry programs since 1991. Eligibility is based upon a student’s demonstrated developmental and academic readiness skills necessary for classroom and personal success.

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Parents of four and five year old children are faced with important decisions in the coming months.  For children not yet ready for a comprehensive academic kindergarten program, look for a pre-kindergarten program with an engaging early literacy based curriculum to foster and enhance learning and social skills.  For children ready for a more academic approach, a two-year transitional early entry kindergarten program is an excellent choice to facilitate the joy of learning.

There are many schools and many options for young children.  Now is the time to begin exploring program options in your neighborhood if you have a four or five year old child.  If you begin the process now, you may find it is a good adventure and you won't feel pressed when making this important decision for your child's academic success.

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