Transitional Kindergarten

TK/Kindergarten Information Day is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9am-11:30am at Grand View Elementary, 2617 Bell Avenue.

Click here for Transitional Kindergarten FAQs

1) What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

TK is the first year of a two-year Kindergarten program that uses a modified Kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.

2) Who is eligible for TK?

In 2026–27, TK will be available to all children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1* of the school year.

*Inclusive of this date

Please visit the California Department of Education website for more details.

For more information about TK in MBUSD, please contact the Director of Student Services, Dr. Kerry Riccio Aguero, at 310-318-7345, Ext. 5989 or by email at [email protected].

3) Must children attend Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

No. Children are not required to attend TK.

4) Which campuses offer Transitional Kindergarten?

TK is offered at all five elementary school campuses in MBUSD.

5) How do you enroll your child for TK?

Enrollment for TK is the same as for Kindergarten. Please visit your school of residence to enroll your child in the program.

Click here for Kindergarten and First Grade Admittance Information

In California, a child shall be admitted to a school district’s kindergarten program at the beginning of a school year, or later in the same year if the child will have his or her fifth birthday on or before September 1 (EC48000[a]). This applies to kindergarten programs only. A child is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) if the child will have his or her fourth birthday by September 1. For first grade enrollment, California law requires a child to be six years old on or before September 1 (EC Section 48010). School is mandatory for six-year-old students; parents and guardians must enroll their children in school once they reach the age of six (EC Section 48200).

Click here for Grade Level Placement Criteria

Click here for Toilet Training Resources

Does my incoming child need to be potty trained to attend TK?

State legislation does not permit districts to deny enrollment to incoming TK students if they are not fully potty trained, however, we STRONGLY encourage you to potty train your child before the start of the school year.

What does it mean to be fully potty trained?

Fully toilet trained students may have an occasional accident. Fully toilet trained means that the pupil:

- comes to school in big kid underpants (not pull-ups)
- can communicate a need to use the bathroom
- can independently take care of toileting (pull down underpants, sit on toilet or stand at urinal, and void the bowels or bladder)
- can independently manage related hygiene (can access toilet paper, wipe, place used toilet paper in the toilet bowl, flush, pull up underpants without assistance, and wash and dry hands)

Will TK classrooms have a bathroom?

All TK classrooms are located near a bathroom. Teachers will encourage students to use the bathroom during breaks.

What happens if my student has an accident at school?
Students will be sent to the health office to change if they are wet or wait for their parents to pick them up if they have had an accident. It is recommended that all TK students have an extra change of clothes (in a Ziploc bag) in their backpacks on a daily basis.

How can I learn more about the toilet training process?
For more specific information or guidance, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Find California Department of Education (CDE) TK Admission Information Here

Universal Prekindergarten Planning and Implementation Grant Program | Board approved on June 22, 2022