Is your 4-year-old ready for school? California says yes

The Golden State is making transitional kindergarten an option for all four-year-olds.

As California expands this program statewide, parents are mulling over whether to enroll their preschoolers in transitional kindergarten. Transitional kindergarten acts as a bridge, helping little ones adjust to the classroom setting through interactive play that builds social abilities.

Back in 2012, transitional kindergarten kicked off to give those youngsters who narrowly missed kindergarten age cutoffs a head start. These days, California is throwing open the doors of transitional kindergarten to any four-year-old wanting that pre-kindergarten experience. The timeline is:

By fall 2025 and future years, any child who are four-years-old by Sept. 1 qualifies to enroll.

Unlike private preschools which set their own curricula, TK teachers follow state standards focused on skills like vocabulary, problem-solving and collaboration. "You want to see literacy, math and science activities that are thoughtfully planned," said education expert Hanna Melnick.

Attending TK is optional, not required. Some parents appreciate having their four-year-olds in a school setting to get used to routines and expectations. Others prefer keeping children in full-day childcare programs instead.

"Four-year-olds are at different stages. We believe families know what's best for their kids," said Kym Johnson of the Bananas child care agency.

When considering TK options, parents should check if the program offers after-school care to cover work schedules. Bathroom policies, nap times and dual language options are other potential factors.

For families who cannot access TK or prefer other preschool options, subsidized programs like Head Start and state preschools have income requirements. Private preschools set their own eligibility and rates.

While not mandatory, TK allows four-year-olds an early pathway into California's school system. Governor Newsom said making it available statewide will help students "start their schooling on the right track, setting them up for success."