Transitional Kindergarten

The Miller Creek School District is excited to welcome you to our 2025-26 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. TK is available to students who turn five between Sept 2, 2025 and September 1, 2026. The TK program supports students as they transition into the classroom setting and emphasize play based learning, social-emotional development, and other foundational learning skills.

The TK program runs from 8:19- 11:45 using an AM model. Based on enrollment a PM class may be added at impacted school sites.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Transitional Kindergarten

What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

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

Where will Miller Creek School District have Transitional Kindergarten programs?

Every effort will be made to host a Transitional Kindergarten class at Lucas Valley Elementary, Mary E Silveira Elementary, and Vallecito Elementary. Ultimately, class placement will depend on enrollment.

How will the TK program be different from the Kindergarten Program?

Since TK is the first year of a two-year program, the TK curriculum will be a precursor to the regular Kindergarten program. It will be play based and will focus on social-emotional learning as well as academic foundations.

At what age will my child be eligible to enroll in TK in Miller Creek School District? 

Your child will be eligible if they turn 5 between September 2, 2025 and September 1, 2026.

How do I register my child for TK?

Registration opens in January 2025.

Will I need to re-register my child for Kindergarten in the District?

No. Children enrolled in TK will receive a letter asking for their intent to return to the district for subsequent years. 

Will my child be able to enter first grade after completing a year of TK?

No. TK is the first of two years of kindergarten and is not a substitution for a full kindergarten program. 

Are students in Transitional Kindergarten subject to the Kindergarten immunization requirements?

Yes. They are required to have documentation of required immunizations or a valid exemption prior to admission to Transitional Kindergarten. Here is more information and the TK-8th Grade Immunization Requirements.

What are the times of Transitional Kindergarten? 

All elementary schools will offer a morning class that will begin at 8:19 with dismissal at 11:45. If district enrollment exceeds the space in the three morning programs, an afternoon class will be added.

What is a typical day in the TK classroom like?  

A typical day in TK might begin with creative choice-play.  Students then move to meet in groups and individually to work on phonemic awareness, letter sounds and other language arts activities.  After a snack and recess, math instruction begins and students focus on numbers, counting, learning one to one correspondence and basic addition and subtraction. Each day students have a science or social studies lesson as well. Learning songs and art activities are incorporated into many of our lessons throughout the day. There is quite a bit of physical movement built into learning activities in the classroom and outside. TK students participate in the enrichment program with classes in art, PE, and library.  

Are there afterschool care options available to TK students?

Yes. We work with community partners to offer childcare to families. Please contact your school of registration to get additional information.