Universal PreKindergarten (UPK)/ Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

California launched UPK in the 2021–22 state budget by putting into action recommendations laid out in the California Master Plan for Early Learning and Care through a dramatic expansion of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for all four-year-old children, with universal access to TK for all four-year-old children by the 2025–26 school year and expanded access to the California State Preschool Program for income-eligible three-year-old children and children with disabilities. By 2025–26, UPK will exist for all four-year-old children in California through a mixed delivery system that will bring together programs across early learning and K–12. 

The expansion of TK will occur over a four year period, beginning in the 2022-23 school year. For many districts, the need to expand the students served each year while also meeting the new classroom ratios may require additional facilities, a plan to communicate with parents about the changes, plans to ensure that staff obtain the qualifications needed to teach TK and more. Each section below contains helpful information to support districts as they develop an expanded, developmentally appropriate TK program. 

Our support team is expanding- we look forward to introducing new members soon.
 
Contact information:
Malaika Bryant
Director II, Educator Development
Phone: (661) 636-4227      
mbryant@kern.org

Megan Gretona
Manager, School Readiness 
Phone: 661-636-4485
email: megretona@kern.org