What is transitional kindergarten?
TK is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program, run by public school districts. The California Department of Education describes it as free of cost for every 4-year-old, and it is the only preschool-age option open to all families at no charge.
Classes are kept small. Since 2025-26, districts must keep an average of at least one adult for every 10 TK students, and average TK class enrollment at each school can be no more than 24.
What age is transitional kindergarten in California?
The rule is simple: your child must turn 4 on or before September 1 of the school year. Since 2025-26, every 4-year-old in California qualifies.
| School year | Child turns 4 by | Birthdays that qualify for TK |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | September 1, 2026 | September 2, 2021 to September 1, 2022 |
| 2027-28 | September 1, 2027 | September 2, 2022 to September 1, 2023 |
The 2026-27 dates come from VESD's enrollment page. The 2027-28 row follows the same state rule; check it against VESD's page once the district posts next year's dates. Children born on or before September 1 of the year before are old enough for kindergarten instead.
Is transitional kindergarten mandatory in California?
No. The state says plainly that children are not required to attend TK. Kindergarten is optional too: full-time school only becomes required at age 6.
That means you can keep your 4-year-old in a licensed preschool or child care home for one more year if it fits your family better. Things worth weighing:
Your work hours. TK runs on the school calendar, with breaks and early-release days.
Your child. Some 4-year-olds are ready for a full classroom; others do better in a small group for another year.
Siblings. One drop-off for two children can matter more than anything on paper.
Cost. TK is free; before and after school care may not be, unless you qualify for help.
Preschool vs transitional kindergarten vs a licensed home daycare
| TK at a VESD school | State preschool or Head Start | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | 4-year-olds who turn 4 by September 1 | 3- and 4-year-olds |
| Cost | Free | Free or low cost for families who qualify |
| Hours | School day, at least 180 minutes, set by each school | Part-day or full-day, by program |
| Setting | Classroom, average of 24 or fewer, 1 adult per 10 children | Classroom |
| Run by | The school district | School districts, the county and nonprofits |
| How to start | Enroll online through ParentVUE | Apply to the program |
Many Victorville families combine them: TK for the school day, and a licensed home daycare before and after school and on school breaks.
How long is the TK day in Victorville?
State rules set a minimum of 180 minutes per school day, and each school sets its own schedule. VESD's enrollment page does not list TK hours, so ask your school office before you plan your mornings and afternoons.
The state's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) fills some of the gap. It covers TK through 6th grade and aims for a nine-hour day on school days, counting school time, plus at least 30 non-school days a year. In ELO-P, TK and kindergarten children have one adult for every 10 children. Programs may charge a sliding-scale fee, but not to foster youth, homeless students, or children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
VESD offers ELO-P at all its schools, through partners Champions and Think Together or its own staff, and each school runs it a little differently. Your school office has the hours and enrollment details. Read more in our guide to before and after school care in Victorville.
How to enroll in TK with the Victor Elementary School District
Create a ParentVUE account, or log in if you already have one.
Choose the new student registration packet for the school year.
Fill it in and pick your school near the end.
For a lottery school (Discovery, Endeavour, Galileo, Sixth Street Prep or West Palms Conservatory), also submit a lottery application in ParentVUE. Mountain View Montessori uses its own lottery form.
Bring your documents to the school.
Documents VESD asks for:
A parent or guardian photo ID
Proof of where you live, such as a utility bill (ask the school for a residency affidavit if no bills are in your name)
Proof of your child's birth date, such as a birth certificate or passport
Your child's immunization record
A copy of any IEP or 504 plan, delivered in person
Apply early if you want a lottery school. For 2026-27, lottery applications received after April 28, 2026 went to the end of the waitlist. If your home is in another district, such as Adelanto or Hesperia, check that district's website instead.
Planning care around the TK day
Most working parents end up with one of three setups:
The school's ELO-P program before and after class, plus its intersession and summer days.
A licensed home daycare for mornings, afternoons, and full days on school breaks. This is often the easiest choice when a younger sibling is already enrolled there.
Family or a sitter, often for the short gaps.
Before you choose, ask any before or after school option:
Who takes my child to school and picks them up, and how?
What happens on early-release days, school holidays and the weeks between terms?
Are you licensed? (You can check any provider on the state's child care facility search.)
Are snacks and meals included?
Can a younger brother or sister come to the same place?
Our daycare checklist for Victorville parents has more questions to bring to a tour.
Can you get help paying for care around TK?
Often, yes. Families who qualify for CCRC or San Bernardino County child care programs can use them at a licensed provider, and income and need decide eligibility. Our guide to CCRC and County child care programs walks through how to apply. School ELO-P fees are waived for children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
A TK timeline for 2027-28 families
Now through winter: check your child's birthday against the cutoff, find the birth certificate, and ask your pediatrician whether your child's shots match VESD's list.
Early in the year: watch VESD's enrollment page for the 2027-28 dates, set up ParentVUE, and apply, especially for a lottery school.
Spring: line up before and after school care and care for school breaks. If you need CCRC or County help, apply now, because approval can take weeks.
Summer: visit the school, practice the new morning routine, and read our tips on helping your child adjust.
How All Stars Family Day Care can help
All Stars Family Day Care is a licensed family child care home at 11833 Fern Pine Road in Victorville (license #364841806). We care for children from infancy through school age, serve free meals, and accept CCRC and County program families.
If your child starts TK, ask us about before and after school care, full days during school breaks, and whether we can pick up from your child's school. Call or text (760) 680-9583, or schedule a tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is transitional kindergarten free in Victorville?
Yes. TK is a free public school grade for every child who turns 4 by September 1 of the school year. VESD offers it at all 18 of its schools.
Is transitional kindergarten mandatory in California?
No. TK and kindergarten are both optional. Full-time school is required starting at age 6, so your child can stay in preschool or a licensed child care home instead.
What age is transitional kindergarten in California for 2027-28?
Your child must turn 4 by September 1, 2027, which means a birthday from September 2, 2022 to September 1, 2023. Confirm the dates on VESD's enrollment page once they are posted.
Is TK a full school day in Victorville?
The state requires at least 180 minutes a day, and each school sets its own hours. VESD also runs before and after school programs at every school, so ask your school office for both schedules.
Can my 4-year-old stay in daycare instead of TK?
Yes. Because TK is optional, a licensed preschool or child care home is a valid choice. Your child can then start kindergarten the following year.
Can CCRC help pay for before and after school care for a TK student?
Families who qualify for CCRC or San Bernardino County child care programs can use them at a licensed provider, including before and after school. Eligibility depends on household income and need, such as work or school.
