Universal Transitional Kindergarten | Kindergarten

2024-25 UNIVERSAL TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN (UTK)

Park Avenue Elementary is at the forefront of education by offering Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK), a program designed to bridge the gap between early learning and traditional kindergarten. This program is being implemented in select LAUSD elementary schools, and Park Avenue is proud to be one of them.

Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) is the first year of a two year kindergarten program, designed for students who were born either between June 3, 2020 and September 1, 2020 or September 2, 2019 or June 2, 2020. This program gives children an opportunity to learn important academic and social skills in a hands-on manner that supports their development. The program prepares student for success by following: California Preschool Learning Foundations, Teaching through Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Preschool Curriculum Framework guides the design of instruction, and Emphasis on Social Emotional and Oral Language Development.

What is the Universal Transitional Kindergarten classroom program?
These programs provide children with a well-planned classroom program to build necessary social and academic skills for success throughout their school careers. The program is based on the California Preschool Foundations and Common Core State Standards, with focused instruction in literacy and numeracy, along with strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement.

The Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) programs follow the full day schedule of traditional kindergarten. Assessments along with teacher observations will be used to monitor your child’s growth and progress throughout the year. Staff members will use this information to guide instruction, individualized to meet your child’s needs.

How can families be involved in Universal Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten?
Communication between home and school is essential in helping your child succeed. Your child’s teacher can meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your child’s progress and ways you will be able to support him/her at home.