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Nov. 9, 2022
Importance of Attendance with Early Learners

When we think of truancy and absenteeism, teenage students in high school often come to mind. But in fact, when we look at student absenteeism, our youngest learners often have the highest rates. Research shows that 14% of kindergarten students are chronically absent in the United States. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. Just two absences a month will define a child as chronically absent!

Attendance is critical! Good attendance habits begin in preschool and continue through UTK and K-12 experiences. Research shows that students who have good attendance in their foundational pre-k and TK/kindergarten years are more likely to be strong proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade and have more positive and successful relationships with peers and educators.

Of course, should children be ill, they should rest and recuperate as appropriate. Whole, healthy children are important. We invite schools and educators to reach out to families and your community in partnership to educate and encourage the results of positive attendance and further define exactly what it means. Two is too many!

Days of missed learning can compound into larger concerns. Let’s work together and interrupt chronic absenteeism as soon as our youngest learners arrive at school. This is done through ongoing communication to staff, students, and families. Communication is key! Below are a few things to think about as you foster a positive school culture of attendance:

  • Ensure teachers and support staff understand chronic absenteeism
  • Set up parent meetings to educate around the importance of attendance 
  • Provide ongoing positive attendance messages to build school community awareness

We encourage you to think through your support to families and students to build a strong foundation of attending school regularly. Starting early and communicating frequently can be an equity lever that benefits so many.

Your partners in education,

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) UPK-3 Team
UTK Phase In 2022-2025
2022-23

Student Phase-In (EC 48000)
5th birthday between Sept. 2 and Feb. 2

Teacher-to-Student Ratios (EC 48000)
1:12

Credentialing Requirements (EC 48000)
Additional TK credentialing requirements in place by August 2023
2023-24

Student Phase-In
5th birthday between Sept. 2 and April 2

Teacher-to-Student Ratios
1:10 (contingent on funding)
2024-25

Student Phase-In
5th birthday between Sept. 2 and June 2

Teacher-to-Student Ratios
1:10 (contingent on funding)
2025-26

Student Phase-In
4th birthday by Sept. 1

Full implementation
Getting Started with Transitional Kindergarten — Jan. 12

SDCOE is offering a professional learning session to support leaders with TK classes on their sites. This accelerated session will provide a high-level overview on what to expect in TK classrooms. The intended audience is district and site leaders who are leading a TK program. This session will be held on Jan. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Register today.

Participants will learn about:
  • 4-year-old brain research
  • Creating space that supports a 4-year-old
  • Play-based learning — Universal Design Learning
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Early Years Conference on March 10-11

Join us for the 20th Annual Early Years Conference where we will celebrate your personal learning journey and commitment to continuous improvement in early childhood education. By attending this conference, you will learn how your role as an early educator is the key to bridging early learning programs and kindergarten through 3rd grade. Attendees will also increase their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice to support a strong birth through 3rd grade continuum.
P-3 Alignment Network
The SDCOE P-3 team launched the new P-3 Alignment during the 2022-23 school year. Learn and network with educators from across the county at regularly scheduled meetings geared towards district and charter leaders. Register to join the network.

  • Meetings will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, Feb. 15, and May 17.
SDCOE ELO-P Network
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Network is a monthly opportunity to review and deepen your understanding of the requirements of the ELO-P, share resources and promising practices, and collaborate with colleagues in the field. Register for the ELO-P Network. For more information, please contact Brittany Mabe, director, Expanded Learning and Community Engagement.
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SDCOE Transitional Kindergarten and Early Educator Pathway Information Sessions

SDCOE is offering a pathway program for multiple subject credentialed teachers only who will be assigned to teach transitional kindergarten. The pathway program consists of the completion of two or four courses.

Upon completion and passing of each course, participants will obtain a transcript with six or 12 semester units from the University of San Diego and may be eligible to obtain a Site Supervisor Child Development permit, which is one option to teach transitional kindergarten.

Learn more about the next Cohort, which starts in Jan. 2023.
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Legislation Focus from Capitol Advisors

Capitol Advisors has produced a comprehensive client brief detailing new education laws that were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom in 2022. The Early Education brief executive summary highlights major changes Capitol Advisors thinks you should know about. Bills signed by the Governor take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, unless the bill specifically states otherwise (i.e. budget bills).
IMPORTANT NOTICE

LEAs that received UPK Planning and Implementation funds and completed a UPK plan on or by June 30, are required to submit a survey to CDE on Sept. 30. The acceptance of the UPK funds require a submission of this survey. If you have not submitted your survey, please complete it ASAP. If you have questions regarding the survey, you may contact CDE via email.

If your charter school has decided not to offer Transitional Kindergarten, the CDE is requiring that you send an email informing them of your decision.

Helpful Resources:
Faculty and Staff Professional Learning Opportunities

Please access professional development calendar that highlights offerings from SDCOE that may be a good fit for your staff.
Subscribe to the SDCOE Universal PreKindergarten to Third Grade (P-3) publication.
This e-newsletter is designed to support the efforts, alignment, and implementation of Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) to 3rd grade (P-3) in San Diego County. It provides local educational agencies (LEAs) with the most up-to-date information pertaining to the implementation of universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) as it relates to California Department of Education (CDE) requirements.

Our goal at the San Diego County Office of Education is to gather and share the most current and relevant content for the implementation of UPK and establish a network across San Diego County to support education leaders as they work to establish and create a new grade level.
Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.