Support for TK-age children

Give your child one more year to grow — and a lifetime of confidence

Options for Learning's transitional kindergarten (TK) programming gives 4- and 5-year-olds the time, space, and support they need to build a truly strong foundation before kindergarten. Full-day. Year-round. Small classes. The same trusted teachers your child may already know — and the readiness skills that will carry them forward for years to come.

For more than 45 years, families across the San Gabriel Valley have trusted Options for Learning to prepare their children for a confident start in school — and beyond.

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One more year makes all the difference

Kindergarten asks a lot of young children — to sit, listen, focus, make friends, manage emotions, and learn to read, all at once. For children with a late-year birthday, or those who simply need a little more time, diving straight into kindergarten can feel like too much, too soon.

Transitional kindergarten is designed for exactly those children. Children who complete TK enter kindergarten with stronger academic foundations, better self-regulation, and the emotional confidence that comes from truly being ready.

SUPPORT FOR TK-AGE CHILDREN

A full-day, year-round program built for children — and families

Every detail of our support for TK-age children is designed to provide exactly what they need at this stage — and to give families the consistency they can depend on.

Full-day instruction, play, and enrichment

A complete day of learning and joy — thoughtfully blending academics, play, and enrichment to support children's growth while providing families with dependable, consistent care.

Small class sizes and individual attention

Our experienced teachers provide individualized attention, nurture meaningful relationships, and respond with care and expertise to each child's unique approach to learning.

Age-appropriate care throughout the day

Children remain in a nurturing, developmentally aligned environment from classroom learning to extended care — without abrupt transitions or the jarring handoffs that disrupt a child's sense of security.

Year-round availability

Our program operates year-round (12 months). This creates a consistent, enriching experience for children and reliable support for families well beyond the traditional school-year calendar.

Kindergarten readiness alignment

Our curriculum aligns with early learning standards and California's kindergarten expectations, building strong foundations in literacy, math, and social-emotional development alongside essential life skills — problem-solving, decision-making, listening, and classroom routines.

Support for growing independence

We meet children where they are, providing thoughtful, patient support with developing skills — including toilet learning when needed — because readiness looks different for every child and every family deserves a team that takes that seriously.

Nutritious meals and snacks at no cost

Children receive locally sourced, organic, healthy meals and snacks each day, supporting their growth, energy, and readiness to learn — included, at no additional cost to families.

Family partnership and support

We walk alongside families with open communication, resources, and guidance throughout the year. Strong partnerships between home and school help children thrive — and we take that partnership seriously.

Continuity of care

Familiar teachers and consistent routines nurture confidence, build emotional security, and create a strong sense of belonging — supporting a smooth, confident transition into kindergarten.

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WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE OUR PROGRAM

What makes our program different from a standard TK classroom

California's expansion of TK has given more families access to this important bridge year — and that's a good thing. But not all TK programs are the same. Here's how our support for TK-age children differs from a standard district TK classroom:

Full-day, year-round — not just the school-year

Most district TK programs follow the school calendar and end in June. Options for Learning operates year-round (12 months) — so there's no summer gap, no scramble for intersession coverage, no disruption to the routines your child has built.

Organic meals included every day

Traditional district TK programs vary widely on meals. At Options for Learning, locally sourced, organic meals and snacks are provided daily at no cost to families — because nutrition is an important part of the learning environment.

Developmentally aligned care all day

Children stay in the same nurturing environment from morning through afternoon — no abrupt handoffs to a different program, different staff, or different space for extended care.

Support with developmental skills, including toilet learning

We meet children where they are. If a child is still working on toilet learning or other developmental milestones, our team provides patient, supportive guidance.

Continuity and consistency

Children ages 4-5 who are already enrolled in our preschool programs receive specialized TK-focused instruction with familiar teachers, trusted routines, and a community that already knows them. That continuity is one of the most powerful things we offer — and it only exists because we serve children across multiple years.

Four decades of experience with this age group

We didn't start offering support for TK-age children when California expanded the program. We've been doing this for more than 45 years. That depth of experience shows — in how our teachers respond to children, how our classrooms are designed, and how our families are supported.

ALREADY ENROLLED IN OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM?

Kindergarten readiness starts right where your child is

If your child is enrolled in our preschool program, they can continue building the skills needed for kindergarten in the same familiar classroom environment. Through specialized instruction and age-appropriate learning experiences, children grow in confidence and readiness without transitioning to a new class, teacher or routine.

Your child already knows their teachers. They know the routines, the expectations, and the feeling of being safe and loved in this environment. Our support for TK-age children builds directly on that foundation — and families who continue with us see the difference it makes.

No disruption to the routines your child has built over the years;
Teachers who already understand your child's learning style and personality;
Curriculum that builds directly on what your child has learned in preschool;
A community your family is already part of;
Year-round continuity — no transition to a different program.

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Building a strong foundation

Options for Learning’s support for TK-age children is part of California’s commitment to universal early education

The Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) initiative is intended to expand access to quality early education for every 3- and 4-year-old in the state and across the country — regardless of family income or immigration status.

Options for Learning is proud to advance this initiative as an early learning provider serving TK-age children, making us one of the few organizations in the San Gabriel Valley that can partner with families from birth through TK-age and beyond.

Not sure which program is right for your child? Our enrollment team will help you find the best fit and map out the path forward.

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Transitional kindergarten (TK)

Offered by local school districts. For children turning 4 between Sept. 2 and Feb. 2. Free, publicly funded through California UPK. Options for Learning offers support for 4- and 5-year-olds.

California State Preschool (CSPP)

Offered by Options for Learning and school districts. For children ages 3–4. Free or low-cost for qualifying families.

Family child care homes

Programs offered by licensed home providers. For children from birth to age 12. Cost varies; subsidies may be available through our Resource and Referral program.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Is Options for Learning's program the right fit for your child?

The answer depends on your child's age, their readiness, your family's schedule, and the support your household needs. Here's a simple way to think it through:

You are looking for an alternative to the traditional TK classroom

TK-focused learning experiences are a natural continuation for children enrolled in our preschool programs. Familiar environment, familiar faces, seamless transition.

You are a working family needing full-day, year-round care

Unlike traditional district TK programs, Options for Learning’s program runs full-day and year-round — no gaps in coverage, no summer scramble.

Your child is ready for full kindergarten

Some children who meet the TK-age window may already be ready for the full expectations of kindergarten. Our enrollment team can help you think through what's right for your child specifically.

Your family only needs a part-day, school-year schedule

If you do not need full-day, year-round care, a traditional district TK program may better match your family’s schedule and needs.

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Not enrolled with us? Getting started is easy!

How to enroll your child at Options for Learning

Our enrollment team makes the process simple. Here's how it works:

Apply online or call our intake team

Apply at any time through our online form or call us at 626-699-8070, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We’ll learn about your child’s age, your family’s needs, and confirm eligibility.

Confirm eligibility and gather documents

Your enrollment advisor walks you through which programs and services fit your child and what documentation is needed.

Complete enrollment and get ready for day one

Once approved, an enrollment specialist finalizes your child's placement and gives you everything you need to prepare.

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WHAT MAKES OUR SUPPORT FOR TK-AGE CHILDREN DIFFERENT

Why San Gabriel Valley families choose Options for Learning for TK support

There are traditional district TK programs — and then there's Options for Learning programming. Here's what makes ours worth choosing:

Full-day and year-round

District TK follows the school calendar and ends in June. Options for Learning's programs run year-round, providing your child with consistent learning and your family with reliable, uninterrupted care.

Continuity and consistency

Children enrolled in our preschool programs step into TK-focused instruction without missing a beat. Same community, same trusted teachers, same sense of belonging. That emotional security is itself a readiness skill.

Proven kindergarten-readiness curriculum

Our curriculum aligns with California’s kindergarten standards while maintaining the play-based, exploratory approach appropriate for this age. Children leave our program ready — academically and emotionally.

Wraparound family support

Families in our program have access to family advocates, health screenings, nutrition support, and community resource connections — the wraparound services that have made Options for Learning a trusted partner for more than 45 years.

Trusted for more than four decades

Founded in 1981, we serve nearly 11,000 children annually across the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. We have deep roots in the communities we serve.

Costs and payment options

Free or low-cost for qualifying families

Our kindergarten readiness programming is offered within our preschool program and supports children as they prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten. Eligible families may receive services at no or low-cost.

Eligibility for our programs is determined by factors such as family income, need, and qualifying circumstances. Our enrollment team can help review your options, confirm eligibility, and guide you through the application process.

Find a location near you

More than 65 centers across the San Gabriel Valley

Options for Learning operates childhood education centers in communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. We can help you find a location that fits your family's needs.

Find a location near you

COMMON QUESTIONS

Families ask us these questions every day.

Here are clear answers to the most common questions we hear from families considering our programs supporting TK-age children at Options for Learning.

Does Options for Learning offer transitional kindergarten?

What is transitional kindergarten?

Who is eligible for TK?

How is Option for Learning's TK programming different than other programs?

How do I apply for support for my TK-aged child Options for Learning?

Do TK-aged children have their own classroom, or are they in a class with 3-year-olds?

Is the curriculum different?

What does the daily routine look like for TK-aged children?

Do TK-aged students nap during the day?

Is TK mandatory?

Do your teachers hold credentials different from those of TK teachers?

What is the teacher-to-student ratio?

Will my child receive homework?

What if my child is already advanced?

How do I enroll as a new family?

How do I enroll as a current family?

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Every child deserves a strong start — and you can help make it happen

Options for Learning is a nonprofit organization. Every dollar donated supports quality early education, family resources, and community services for thousands of children and families across the San Gabriel Valley who need it most. Whether you give your time, your voice, or a financial contribution, you're helping build brighter futures for the children who need it most.

Support our work