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As California moves towards Universal Pre-K, local educational agencies have a unique opportunity to expand early education access for the state’s young children. With this opportunity, governance teams face a series of considerations for design and implementation.

As part of the expansion, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that phases in transitional kindergarten (TK) access for all of California’s four-year-olds, beginning in 2022-23 and reaching full implementation by 2025-26. The state requires that governance teams approve a plan for early childhood access for all four-year-olds by June 30, 2022.

This page contains information for governance teams about TK expansion – also known as UTK – as they consider the vision and logistical aspects of this expansion.

Resources

• Advancing Universal Transitional Kindergarten - Research and Policy Brief
• Advancing Universal Transitional Kindergarten - Quick Facts
• The ABCs of UTK – Planning for Universal Transitional Kindergarten in your District - Webinar
• The ABCs of UTK – Planning for Universal Transitional Kindergarten in your District - PowerPoint presentation
• UTK - CSBA Figures and Takeaways

Case Studies

• Innovation in Action: Expanding Pre-K Access in San Diego County
• Innovation in Action: Palermo Union Grows Early Learning

Additional Resources

• CDE page for the Early Childhood Education Facilities Grant Program