Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

  • SMMUSD TK Forum

    The Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Forum was held to provide information to families regarding our TK program in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). The forum covered many topics, including our philosophy of Transitional Kindergarten in SMMUSD. We discussed our three-pronged approach of a Reggio-Inspired, STEAM-Enhanced, and Standards-Aligned program and shared how we support students' agency, identity, confidence, and independence in our TK classrooms. While we shared some basics such as general schedules and forms of communication, we also really wanted families to have an idea of what TK looks like in our district.
    Watch the video

    What is Transitional Kindergarten?

    >> The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 changed the Kindergarten and First Grade entrance dates beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.
    >> TK is the first of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.

    >> Our SMMUSD TK standards represent a blend of Preschool Learning Foundations and the California Kindergarten Common Core Standards. 

    Birthdate Enrollment Guidelines and SMMUSD Kindergarten Start Dates

    What is the TK expansion program starting for the 2022-23 school year?

    Under a state-wide TK expansion program, SMMUSD will begin to enroll students turning five between Sept. 2 and Feb. 2 for the 2022-23 school year. This initiative rolls up each of the next three years by birthday, making TK the entry level into public school for all students throughout the state. Full implementation of the program will be in the 2025-26 school year.

    How are the TK classes staffed?
    >> TK classrooms are taught by a certificated classroom teacher.
    >> TK teachers participate in SMMUSD professional learning opportunities alongside Kindergarten teachers.
    >> Instructional assistant time is allocated based on student enrollment.

    How do I enroll my child?
    >> Pick up an enrollment packet at your home school
    >> Families are contacted by the school site once the TK classrooms/sites are confirmed.
    >> Students in the TK program are pre-enrolled in their home school for the following year (kindergarten).  Families contact their home school of residence to update information, provide proof of residence and provide proof of medical and dental examinations.

    For More Information…
    >> Refer to the California Department of Education Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderfaq.asp
    >> SMMUSD Educational Services Department: For TK Curriculum and Instruction questions, please contact: Dr. Susan Samarge-Powell at (310) 399-5865 or at ssamarge@smmusd.org
    >> SMMUSD Student Services Department: For enrollment questions, please contact: Dr. Francisco Dussan at fdussan@smmusd.org or (310) 450-8338 ext. 70208