Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
With the passage of the 2021-2022 California budget, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) will be expanded, with full implementation of Universal TK slated for the 2025-26 school year. Expansion begins in 2022-23 and incrementally increases eligibility for TK based on children’s birthdates, until Universal TK is achieved by 2025-26 and will include all children who turn 4 before September 1 of the current school year.
• Children who will turn five on or after September 2, 2024 and up to and including June 2, 2025 are eligible for a Transitional Kindergarten option.
School Year | Extends TK Eligibility to any child who turns 5 between: |
2024-25 | Sep 2, 2024 - Jun 2, 2025 |
2025-26 and every year thereafter | All students who will have their fourth birthday by September 2 of the upcoming school year are eligible for TK (universal eligibility) |
Date of Birth | TK-Eligible Year | Kindergarten Eligible School Year |
September 2, 2018 – April 2, 2019 | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
April 3, 2019 – September 1, 2019 | not eligible for TK | 2024-2025 |
September 2, 2019 – June 2, 2020 | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
June 3, 2020 – September 1, 2020 | not eligible for TK | 2025-2026 |
September 2, 2020 – September 1, 2021 | 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 |
September 2, 2021 – September 1, 2022 | 2026-2027 | 2027-2028 |
September 2, 2022 – September 1, 2023 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029 |
September 2, 2023 – September 1, 2024 | 2028-2029 | 2029-2030 |
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children turning five-years old between September 2, 2024 through June 2, 2025. It provides young learners a head start and the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs. TK is part of the public school system and is free to participating students. Registration in the program is optional.
Registration for the 2024-25 School Year
For the upcoming school year, parents of students who turn 5 between September 2 and June 2, 2025 will register their children for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which is part of the public school system and is free to participating students.
After residency and age eligibility is established (click here for more information) the following must be submitted:
Complete Immunization Record (CA Health and Safety Code, section 120325-80)
4 doses of Polio vaccine (3 doses meet the requirement if the last dose was received on or after the 4th birthday)
5 doses of DTP - diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (4 doses meet the requirement if the last dose was received after the 4th birthday)
2 doses of MMR – measles, mumps and rubella vaccine on or after the first birthday
3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
2 doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine
All students enrolling in Montecito Union School District need to be up to date on their immunizations according to California Law. To ensure your child can start school, please make sure ALL forms and immunization records must be submitted to the school office BEFORE the first day of kindergarten. For a list of required immunizations, view Parent's guide to Immunizations required for school entry. According to California immunization law, students in the TK program are subject to the same immunization requirements as kindergarten. Since TK is considered the first year of a two-year kindergarten program, the TB requirement to enter the TK program will be subject to the same requirement as kindergarten.
5. Verification of identity of parent, caregiver, licensed foster agency or group home representative, or California Superior Court-appointed legal guardian:
6. Kindergarten Questionnaire
7. Online registration (the link will be emailed once all documents are submitted)
8. Authorization to Administer Medication(s) In accordance with California Education Code Section 49423, the following form must be completed if you and your child’s physician determine that medication(s) must be taken during the school day or during school sponsored trips/outings/events. For more information plase click here.