Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) is an umbrella term that includes various forms of early learning and care, including: California State Preschool Program (CSPP), transitional kindergarten (TK), Head Start, district and local community-based preschool programs, early learning services for students with disabilities, private pay preschool, and expanded learning options to support access to a full day of services.

While families may choose care from across this system, local education agencies (LEAs) are mandated to offer TK to all children that turn 4 by September 1st of a given year. 

Resources to Consider

• The Local Planning Council of Ventura County has additional UPK resources for families.
• California's Universal PreKindergarten website for families includes information on mixed delivery options, student eligibility, and more!
• Learn more about UPK and family choice from the California Department of Education.
• Visit the Early Edge California website for a list of questions to consider when discussing TK with your local school district. 

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) bridges the path between preschool and Kindergarten and gives students the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. It blends social and emotional experiences with academic learning, so that students not only learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math, and other cognitive skills, but also develop social and self-regulation skills needed to succeed in school and life. TK is a component of the Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) mixed-delivery system. 

Any local educational agency (LEA) operating a Kindergarten also provides universal TK (UTK) programming for all 4-year-old children. Some LEAs also offer expanded learning services to TK students.

Maps (like this one from GreatSchools) allow families to enter a home address and find their neighborhood schools and district of residence. 

You can also learn more about local schools, community-based organizations, and family child care partners by visiting the Local Planning Council's UPK maps.

Most school districts and charter schools begin TK enrollment during the spring of the prior year. To learn more about enrollment requirements, be sure to contact your district of residence.

Under California’s Kindergarten immunization requirements, children need immunizations prior to the first day of Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which is considered the first-year of a two-year Kindergarten program. Please visit the California Department of Public Health web page to view required immunizations for TK students.