Choosing between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and childcare subsidies is an important decision for families in California. Both are great options, but they vary in many ways, and details on these programs are often hard to find which leads to confusion and frustration for parents. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences to help parents choose the option that works best for their family.

Transitional Kindergarten

What is Transitional Kindergarten?:

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in California is an educational program designed for children who are just below the age cutoff for traditional kindergarten at the start of the school year.

Note: TK is not mandatory in California.

Who is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten?

Children who turn 5 between September 2nd and April 2nd can enroll in TK.

Note: California plans to expand the eligibility to all 4-year olds for the 2025 school year, state funding permitting.

How much does it cost to enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

TK is completely free in California. For parents who have other children enrolled in school, TK may be a more convenient option as it offers one drop-off and pick-up location.

However, many TK classes are not full-day programs. Oftentimes TK is only 3-6 hours, meaning parents have to find and pay for before/after school care, and transportation.

How do I apply and enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

To enroll a child in TK, parents need to visit their school district’s website and identify which schools offer TK programs.

Note: Every district is required to offer TK, but not every school within the district is required to offer TK, so children may be sent to a school that is farther from home.

Once a parent has identified a school in their district that offers TK, they’ll need to complete an online form to enroll their child, and then present the following documents: proof of birthdate, parent/guardian ID, proof of residence, and immunization records.

When should I start thinking about enrolling my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

It’s advised that parents begin thinking about TK and identifying schools that offer a TK program around the time a child turns 3.

Application windows vary by district, and start dates are typically only offered at the beginning of each school year.

How do I know if my child is ready for Transitional Kindergarten?

TK: If a child falls in the appropriate age range (see eligibility above), they are eligible for TK.

However, different school districts have varying rules around potty training requirements and nap time which may prevent a child from enrolling.

What kind of care and adult supervision do children have in Transitional Kindergarten?

TK: All TK classrooms are required to have at least two staff members in a maximum class size of 24 children.

At least one of these staff members must have valid teaching credentials, and a TK-specific certification.

What is the typical class size in Transitional Kindergarten?

TK: Currently TK classes operate on a 12:1 child to adult ratio, and have the goal of reducing that to a 10:1 ratio, funding permitting.

What is the learning environment like for Transitional Kindergarten?

The environment is much like a kindergarten classroom.

It’s worth nothing that bilingual children may struggle in a TK environment if their first language is not English. As of June 2024 TK students are not required to complete the English Language Proficiency Assessment, but the level of language learning support provided in the classroom may vary by district.

What do children learn in Transitional Kindergarten?

Curriculum is state mandated, and follows a play-based curriculum that gives children the space to be active and have fun learning important skills for reading, writing, math, etc. The state plans to adjust this curriculum over the next few years as the age eligibility for TK expands, and more younger children join the program.

What kind of parental and family support is offered?

Throughout the application and enrollment process, parental support is limited. All work is left to the parent to follow-up with the school district for any questions or deadlines.

Upwards Childcare Subsidy

What is a Childcare subsidy?

A childcare subsidy is financial support funded by the state to provide eligible parents with financial support for affordable childcare.

Who is eligible for a childcare subsidy?

Eligibility is determined based on the parents’ location and income (a parent must reside in a subsidy service area, and be at or below 85% of the state median income). The Upwards network of providers care for kids of all ages under 12.

Parents provide Upwards with their zip code and email, then answer 4 short questions to determine eligibility! We respect everyone’s privacy, so all personal information remains confidential.

How much do I pay for childcare with a subsidy?

The amount covered varies based on each family’s circumstances. In many cases, the entire cost of childcare may be covered. In other cases, families may get assistance in paying for care costs, and will only be asked to pay a monthly family fee determined by family size and income.

How do I apply for a childcare subsidy?

You can check your eligibility here. If a parent qualifies for the state subsidy through Upwards, a team member will reach out to help coordinate submission of the application, collect any additional information needed, and work with parents to find a care provider.

The approval process usually takes about one week.

Is there a timeline to apply for a childcare subsidy?

Upwards’ program does not operate within any specific time constraints, and start dates are dependent on each family’s needs and schedule.

How do I know if my child’s needs will be met through a childcare subsidy?

Upwards works with parents to understand what they’re looking for in a provider, and any needs their child has (i.e. if a child has exceptional needs, requires help potty training, has dietary needs, etc.). The team will then match families with the best provider to support their unique needs.

What kind of care do children receive through childcare subsidies?

Through the Upwards childcare subsidy program, families have access to pre-approved Upwards providers, all of which have undergone a background check, and are licensed by the state of California. Additionally, all daycare providers have successfully completed the most recent health and safety courses.

What is a typical class size at a subsidized daycare?

Group sizes are smaller than those in the classroom, and the ratio of children to adults is a maximum of 14 children to 2 adults for in-home daycares.

Daycare providers that are part of this program follow the regulations outlined in Title 22, allowing In-home daycares to have the following adult to child ratios:

• 1 adult to 4 infants (under 2 years old)
• 1 adult to 6 children (can include up to 3 infants)
• 1 adult to 8 children (can include up to 2 infants)
• 2 adults to 12 children
• 2 adults to 14 children

Note: For children that may benefit from behavioral support strategies, smaller environments can yield space for more 1:1 support.

What do children learn when enrolled in daycare through a childcare subsidy?

Upwards providers are passionate about implementing quality curriculum that focuses on each child’s development, and meets the different skills, interests, and needs of the children in their care. This allows children to learn important skills while still having fun being a kid!

Upwards has a program team dedicated to training and supporting providers in implementing quality curriculum and age-appropriate lesson plans based on Early Learning Matters (ELM) curriculum.

Note: Daycares often provide a more diverse and close-knit experience for children, and providers may offer language immersion programs.

What kind of parental and family support is offered with a childcare subsidy?

Upwards is proud to support families throughout their whole journey, from applying for the program, all the way to enrolling. Parents receive 1 on 1 support from our team, so each experience is customized to meet the family’s needs.

Support doesn’t stop once a child is enrolled in care. Upwards has the ability to connect families to community resources based on additional needs, such as food insecurity, child development assistance, and more.