The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 requires school districts to establish a two year Kindergarten program known as Transitional Kindergarten or TK. TK uses a modified Kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. For the 2013-14 school year, children whose fifth birthdays are October 2, 2013 through December 2, 2013 will be enrolled in TK.

Additionally, many children entering Kindergarten at a younger age benefit from being given additional time to develop the self-confidence and readiness skills necessary for academic success. Poway Unified School District will continue to offer TK for our younger kindergarten students, born between June 1st and October 1st.

TK has been in Poway schools for fifteen years as the Poway Extended Primary Program [PEPP] and has served as a model for other school districts across the state as we moved forward to implement TK. The program offers a developmental curriculum with instruction geared toward individual needs. TK is not intended as a remedial or special services program, but rather a developmentally appropriate first year of kindergarten, preparing students for a smooth transition to a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year.

TK may be offered at all our elementary schools within our District based upon enrollment. Children whose fifth birthday occurs between October 2nd and December 2nd are enrolled in TK. Children with fifth birthdays between June 1st and October 1st may enroll in TK as space is available on a first-come first-served basis. Students with September birthdays will be given priority. Parents may enroll their child in TK during the scheduled Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten enrollment period at the school site beginning the second week of May.

Parents of children with a fifth birthday between June 1st and October 1st who wish to enroll their child into a TK class, MUST place their name on a District Interest Wait List. Select "TK Interest Wait List" to put your child's name on the list. The TK Interest Wait List opens March 8, 2013 at 12:01am. The assigned TK school site will notify parents on the Interest List of an opening in TK. The parent will then be given 48 hours to enroll. Due to increased numbers of students required to enroll in TK, please note space is very limited and will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with September birthdays will be given priority.

Students that participate in TK will be attending school daily on the half-day schedule. They will also be eligible for Extended Student Services (ESS) for before and after school care.

Should you have any questions about TK, please contact your local neighborhood school or Sal Embry, TK Coordinator, at sembry@powayusd.com.