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Jr. Kinder, Pre-k, Transitional Kindergarten, TK, or Kindergarten… What’s the Differernce?

2/10/2015

6 Comments

 
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With so many choices and changes, it’s hard to know where your child fits in and what is age appropriate.

Let’s start with the new transitional kindergarten (TK) that started in California for the 2011-2012 school year.  Prior to last year, the kindergarten cut-off date was that the child had to turn five by December 2nd.  By 2014-2015 school year, the new cut-off date will be September  1.


The state of California www.cde.ca.gov  states that

A transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, (EC 48000[c]), a child is eligible for transitional kindergarten if a child will have his or her fifth birthday between:

For the 2012–13 school year November 2 and December 2
For the 2013–14 school year October 2 and December 2
For the 2014–15 school year and each school year thereafter September 2 and December 2.

By law, children are not required to enroll children in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten (EC Section 48200).  A designated school(s) in each district area is/are selected to have the transitional kindergarten program that can draw from the entire district.  Based on California law, a combination TK/Kindergarten is allowed. There is no state curriculum mandated for TK and it is up to the school district modify the kindergarten program  in order to provide age and developmentally appropriate curriculum for transitional kindergarten.*  Parents must ask themselves if their 4-year old is ready for a 5-day per week modified kindergarten curriculum when considering enrolling in TK.

 Pre-k, Junior kindergarten, or pre-kindergarten is also known as preschool.  While these terms are geared toward 4-year olds and early 5s, you want to keep the same high standard you would look for in a preschool when selecting your Jr. Kinder.   Some questions to consider are:

1.  Is the philosophy in line with the instruction?
2.  Is the student-teacher ratio low?
3. Is this a play-based curriculum?
4. How much time is spent outdoors vs. indoors?
5. What type of food is served? Is it healthy, non-processed, and organic?
6 Will my child be learning a second language?
7. How will my child get individualized instruction?
8. Will my child be socially ready for kindergarten?**

Because Pasitos has such a low student-teacher ratio, we are able to differentiate students’ learning and needs. Every child gets large group (up to 24 children), small group (between 6-12 children) and 1-1 time and/or observation daily.  This helps the student have a strong relationship with their maestra.

“Many cognitive theorists argue that learning is a social event, and studies have proven that both teachers and students will pay the price if teachers neglect to form emotionally warm, supportive relationships with and among their students. To improve students’ chances for academic success, educators must strive to form meaningful personal relationships with students.”***

These relationships that are formed with the maestra help tailor the teaching to the needs of the individual child.

In conclusion, with the introduction of TK to the world of four-year olds, each parent must take a focused look at their child in conjunction with their preschool teacher to help make the decision between continuing in preschool or moving toward a kindergarten curriculum.

*http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderfaq.asp#E4
**http://www.acswasc.org/pdf_general/PreschoolCriteria2000Supplement.pdf
***http://www.cedu.niu.edu/~shumow/itt/StudentTchrRelationships.pdf

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6 Comments
Marilyn
8/21/2018 06:21:41 pm

This was not helpful as it does not speak to JR Kinder in full. It only mentions the name.

Reply
Stephanie borja
1/9/2021 08:05:59 am

It just say jr. Kinder is another name for pre-school. And preschool is for 4/5 year olds.

Reply
Anne Chippendale
12/27/2019 08:17:05 pm

Hi, wondering if you have to be licensed. we want to open a TK at a private school in Truckee, Ca. and are wondering about licensing. Thank you, Sincerely, anne

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Botany Early Childhood link
9/4/2020 04:55:01 am

In this article you will get to know about the jr kinder pre k transitional kindergarten tk or kindergarten difference. Anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter here. I am sure many people will come to read this in future. Great blog indeed, will visit again future to read more!!

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
10/8/2020 07:45:59 pm

My wife and I are planning to have our kids enrolled in pre-K and I like that you reminded us to ask about the teacher-student ratio. It makes sense for us to consider the ratio as it shows that the establishment properly manages the children's wellfare. After reading this post, I will heed your advice when I visit prospective establishments.

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Heather link
7/5/2024 08:34:33 pm

Hi thankss for posting this

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    Pasitos is an eco-friendly, bilingual community based on learning and fun. Through a play based Reggio inspired curriculum, children gain the necessary literacy skills to make them successful in both Spanish and English. At the same time, they build social and emotional skills in working with peers and the maestras. Together these skills help open their minds and language capabilities. Teachers interact with the children to build strong academics and positive social skills.

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