EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
Transitional Kindergarten in Ventura County 2024 - 2025 Edition California continues on its path to offer universal transitional kindergarten (UTK). Next school year, every child who turns 4 years old on or before September 1 of a given year will be eligible to attend TK. This info-graphic details 2024-25 UTK implementation, as reported to the Ventura County Office of Education by local education agencies. OVER 4,000 STUDENTS SERVED According to responses from local districts and charter schools,
VCOE's Early Childhood Programs department is dedicated to empowering the early care and education workforce, ensuring every child has a strong foundation for success in school and life. We provide hands-on support and expert guidance to local education agencies as they implement universal prekindergarten and universal transitional kindergarten, which is a new grade level for four-year- olds. Curious if your child qualifies for transitional kindergarten? Check out the details at vcoe.org/tk. Making a Difference for Our Littlest Learners Our team of experienced coaches partners with child care centers and family child care providers through the Quality Counts Ventura County system. We help programs thrive with coaching and resources aimed at continuous quality improvement. Financial assistance is also available to enhance inclusive preschool programs, providing local schools and state preschool programs with adaptive materials, equipment, and professional development opportunities, thanks to the Inclusive Early Education and Expansion Program. We also offer free professional development to anyone in the early childhood education field across Ventura County. Looking to grow your career or join this impactful profession? Teaching Stars offers stipends to both current and aspiring educators, covering costs like college courses, permits, and licensing fees to help you advance in your career. Learn more at vcoe.org/teachingstars . In addition, we serve as the home to Ventura County’s Local Planning Council, a passionate group of parents, child care providers, and local agency representatives. The Council holds public meetings and is always seeking new voices to shape the future of early childhood education in our community. Get involved by visiting venturalpc.org for meeting schedules, applications, and reports.
Ventura County schools are serving 4,020 TK students this school year. This number is inclusive of school districts and charter schools.
122 SITES OFFERING TK Approximately 200 TK classrooms are open this school year across 122 individual school sites. Some children are served in stand-alone TK classrooms, while others may be served in a combination classroom with kindergarteners or preschoolers.
There are 472 TK staff countywide, including teachers, paraeducators, and instructional aides. In addition to holding a teaching credential, TK teachers must also complete additional qualifications by August 2025. 472 TK STAFF
TK RESOURCES Many districts offer full-day or expanded learning options for working families of 4-year-olds. The Local Planning Council and Ventura County’s Resource and Referral can provide more information on locating and choosing care for your child. Resources for families and educators are also available at vcoe.org/tk .
At VCOE Early Childhood Programs, every initiative is driven by our commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environments for Ventura County’s youngest learners. Join us in making a difference—learn more by visiting vcoe.org/ecp .
VCOE EDUCATION REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY ● 17
Powered by FlippingBook