Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) for Educators
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RCOE's Early Education Services is helping local educational agencies provide high-quality Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) by connecting them with information on current Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs, the latest details on Universal PreKindergarten (UPK), and best practices that align curricula, assessment, and professional learning to support high-quality early learning experiences for all children in Riverside County.
Transitional Kindergarten Eligibility, Ratios, Class Size, and Credentialing Timelines
| TK Requirement | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Phase-In (EC 48000) | UTK Planning Year | 5th birthday between September 2 and February 2 | 5th birthday between September 2 and April 2 | 5th birthday between September 2 and June 2 | 4th birthday by September 1 |
| Teacher-to-Student Ratios and Average Site Class Size (EC 48000) | UTK Planning Year | 1:12 24 students |
1:10* 24 students |
1:10* 24 students |
1:10* 24 students |
| Credentialing Requirements (EC 48000) | UTK Planning Year | Additional TK credentialing requirements in place by August 2023 | Additional TK credentialing requirements in place | Additional TK credentialing requirements in place | Additional TK credentialing requirements in place |
What is TK?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first of a two-year kindergarten program. Since TK students are younger in age, these programs are designed using age-appropriate curriculum for younger children. Children who complete TK move on to kindergarten the following year. This means a child who attends TK will have two years of kindergarten experience before entering first grade.
Newly passed legislation (California Assembly Bill 22) transforms TK into a universal preschool program to be available to all four-year-olds in the state by 2025 (California Legislative Information, 2021b). This will create the need for thousands of additional TK teachers. Additional credentialing requirements are effective August 2023.
A new PK-3 teaching credential is in the developmental stages, however, is not yet available. We anticipate the first programs to be offered beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
UPK Mixed Delivery Grant Information
California’s mixed-delivery system intends to offer a variety of early learning and care settings to allow parents and guardians an authentic choice to meet the needs of their families. Click the below links for further information.
California Department of Education (CDE) Resources
Universal PreKindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten
CDE resources for meeting the UTK timelines, including:
- UPK Planning and Implementation Grant Program Planning Template
- UPK Planning and Implementation Program Guidance
Universal PreKindergarten FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding California state law relating to Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
California Preschool Learning Foundations
Outline of the key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.
For more information on UPK services, please contact the RCOE UPK team at upk@rcoe.us.
