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TK Program

Transitional Kindergarten at SSFUSD

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience — and one of the most valuable gifts a family can give their young learner. At SSFUSD, our TK classrooms are warm, nurturing spaces designed specifically for children who are on the younger end of the kindergarten-readiness spectrum, giving them an extra year to grow, explore, and build the skills they need to truly flourish.

TK at SSFUSD focuses on the whole child. Children develop foundational literacy and math skills, practice the social and emotional competencies that make school feel safe and rewarding — like learning routines, working collaboratively, and building friendships — and strengthen both fine and gross motor skills through hands-on, age-appropriate learning experiences. The goal is not simply to get children ready for kindergarten, but to help them fall in love with learning along the way.

Our TK program is grounded in the California Preschool / Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF), the state's research-based framework for early learning, which guides everything from how we structure our classrooms to how we support each child's individual development. We follow the SEEDS of Learning Framework in both preschool and transitional kindergarten. "SEEDS" refers to: Sensitivity, Encouragement, Education, Development through Doing, and Self-image Support, and it reflects our belief that children learn best when they feel secure, seen, and celebrated. SEEDS of Learning is an evidence-based approach that supports students' oral language, literacy (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing), and social skills, preparing students for kindergarten and beyond. Instruction is provided in whole- and small-group settings to ensure students' academic and social-emotional needs are met.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, TK will be offered at all nine SSFUSD elementary schools, making this program more accessible to families across our entire community. Please note that TK is an optional program — families are not required to enroll — but we warmly encourage you to explore whether it might be the right step for your child.

Interested in enrolling? Visit our enrolling in TK page to learn more about eligibility and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click here for a printable PDF of this TK FAQ in English / Spanish

What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)? 

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first phase of a two-year kindergarten program that uses age-appropriate curriculum aligned to the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF). TK acts as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten and is designed to provide our youngest learners with the pivotal skills and experiences needed for success in kindergarten. This program is optional, and parents are not required to enroll their child in TK.  

What are the benefits of TK at SSFUSD?

TK gives our young learners:

  • An opportunity to learn and grow in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs.
  • A nurturing environment where children learn routines and social skills, and work collaboratively with other students.
  • Instruction that focuses on all areas of child development, including social emotional, literacy and math foundations, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

How do I help my child prepare for TK?

Children learn quickly, especially when their parents are involved. Please help your child get a jump start on a successful TK experience by practicing the below skills at home:

  • Use the bathroom by themselves (wiping properly, pulling up pants and washing their hands after)
  • Put on their coat / sweater by themselves (including buttons and zippers)
  • Tie or fasten their own shoes (or wear slip-ons or shoes with Velcro straps)
  • Keep fingers out of noses and mouths
  • Feed themselves
  • Use tissues to wipe their nose
  • Hold a pencil or crayon
  • Wash their hands with soap and water on their own
  • Leave parents or caregivers and say good-bye without being overly upset
  • Know and say their full name (not just their nickname)
  • Listen to a story
  • Share willingly with others
  • Take turns
  • Sing the ABC song
  • Listen to and follow basic directions
  • Ask for help when needed

What should my child wear to TK?

TK students should wear comfortable clothes that allow them to learn and play freely:

  • Clothes that are easy for your child to use the bathroom independently, such as pants or sweatpants with elastic waistbands
  • Jackets / sweaters that are easy to get on and off independently
  • Slip-on or Velcro shoes to wear on school days (NO laces please)

TK students play outside and use moldable clay and other art materials frequently. Please keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpack in case of accidents.

What does a typical day look like in TK?

8:20 AM

Class Line Up

11:05 AM

Lunch & Recess

8:30 AM

Unpack & Prepare for Day

11:45 AM

Bathroom / Transition

8:45 AM

Fine Motor Activities

12:00 PM

Whole Group Activity & Art

9:15 AM

Circle Time

12:30 PM

Choice Time

9:50 AM

Recess

1:15 PM

Clean Up & Pack Up

10:30 AM

Literacy & Math Centers

1:20 PM

Dismissal

* Beginning of year early dismissal schedule TBD. Class schedules will vary by school.