September 22, 2025

The 2025-2026 school year marked the first year of full implementation for Transitional Kindergarten throughout California. The road to TK began when California implemented the Kindergarten Readiness Act in 2010, changing the Kindergarten entry date from December 2 to September 1, so that most children would be five when they begin Kindergarten. Those students with birthdays between September and December could attend TK, also established by the law.

Five years later, the 2015-16 state budget clarified the law to allow school districts to enroll 4-year-olds in TK even if they turn five after the December cutoff date. And in 2021, TK was expanded through Assembly Bill (AB) 130, to be implemented gradually until all four-year-olds would have access.

Now, with the 2025-26 school year, TK is fully implemented throughout California. To meet enrollment needs, Hughson Unified School District added an additional TK Classroom, bringing the count up to four. Each classroom maintains a 1:10 ratio between teacher and students and includes full-time paraprofessionals as well

With a September start to the school year, children who would turn four in September began their classroom experience at age three. “Our students are younger than ever, so the need for learning through developmental play is greater than ever,” Superintendent Brenda Smith said.

A day of TK includes learning procedures and routines, socialization activities and play. Students learn to use their words to request items, share with one another and work as a group through building with blocks, pretend play in the classroom kitchens, with play animals and more. 

Academically, students learn to identify and write their names, listen to stories, learn about shapes, numbers, letters, and more.

Teachers and paras work on all this and more, meeting students where they are and helping them to grow from there. “The small group instruction allows the teachers and staff to navigate the range of skills and abilities between their students,” Hughson Elementary School Principal Megan Reisz said.

This year brought another change. Previously, the TK classes used the same playground as the kindergarteners, but with three and four-year-olds entering TK, a change of plan was in order. After consulting with their insurance agency, it was determined that the kindergarten playground was only safe for students five years or older.

So, beginning this year, TK students made the walk over to the Preschool Playground. Although it may not be right outside their door, with a month of school experience, students have adjusted to the walk to the playground and now know the way.

Reisz said, “They look for the wonderful learning opportunities some of our staff have prepared for them along the way. They are counting things and are looking for learning spots that have different themes each week, such as color words, letters, numbers or spots to count.”

Students have responded enthusiastically, “The students love the preschool playground. It is new for many of them, and for those others who are returning to a familiar place, they enjoy the many activities that it has to offer. It is a safe and familiar place.”

As another element of developmental play, those activities include sand, water tables, tricycles, a play structure and more. “Each day is a different popular area,” Reisz said. “They are enthusiastic about everything!”