Understanding a True P-3 System
With a great deal of conversation and focus around the implementation of the expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and what this means within Universal Prekindergarten (UPK), it is often hard to step back and look at the longterm vision of where UPK fits. Prekindergarten to 3rd (P-3) is the overarching umbrella where the early education system aligns and bridges to the K-12 school system in a way that is best for children, families, staff, and community. It is important to remember that UTK is just one of the options families have within UPK to support their child’s early educational needs. The beauty of UPK is that families have choices, but in order for them to select the choice that best meets their families needs we must ensure they are aware of their options.
To better understand UPK in the context of P-3, we have been utilizing the Framework for Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating P-3 Approaches from the University of Colorado Denver as a guide to support the implementation of a true P-3 system. Within the P-3 Framework there are eight focus areas to consider and plan for when building out a P-3 system:
- Cross-Sector Work
- Administrator Effectiveness
- Teacher Effectiveness
- Instructional Tools
- Learning Environment
- Data-Driven Improvement
- Engaged Families
- Continuity and Pathways
Within each of these areas, it is essential to consider the short-term, intermediate, and longterm planning. Much of the response to UTK, right now, must be focused on short-term needs. When we go beyond UTK and envision how P-3 impacts the entire system, then we can start to think about what this means for longterm planning and transforming the educational experience for young learners.
As we kickoff 2023, we invite you to start thinking about your immediate needs and goals, but also start imagining your system five to 10 years from now. Some questions to consider are:
- What needs to happen to ensure children move through an early care system into a K-12 system smoothly? For example, what type of communication or partnerships are needed to ensure a smooth transition?
- What needs to happen to ensure the K-12 system is not just meeting the needs of these young learners and their families, but elevating this crucial time in development to a priority for future success?
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) P-3 Design team is looking for school sites interested in providing the team with tours of their P-3 programs. If you are interested in having us learn about your program or interested in designing a long-term P-3 plan within your program, please complete this interest form.
Your partners in education,
The SDCOE UPK-3 Team
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Communication Plan Resources
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The ABC's and 1,2,3's of P-3 Podcast
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The ABC's and 1,2,3's of P-3 podcast is designed to support educators around prekindergarten to 3rd grade. The goal is to build excitement around the opportunities a cohesive P-3 system can have for our young learners. Whether you are new to P-3 or a veteran educator, this podcast is for you!
In Episode 1, hosts Julia Bridi and Erin Dare talk about the importance of getting started with your P-3 team.
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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
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2023-24
Student Phase-In
5th birthday between Sept. 2 and April 2
Teacher-to-Student Ratios
1:10 (contingent on funding)
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2024-25
Student Phase-In
5th birthday between Sept. 2 and June 2
Teacher-to-Student Ratios
1:10 (contingent on funding)
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2025-26
Student Phase-In
4th birthday by Sept. 1
Full implementation
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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 for Getting Started with Transitional Kindergarten webinar 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 and 11
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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 practices to support a strong birth through 3rd grade continuum.
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P-3 Alignment Network
Join the SDCOE P-3 team for our next network convening. Learn and network with educators from across the county at regularly scheduled meetings. Register to join the network.
- Meetings will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 and May 17
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Introduction to Restorative Practices Webinar
Introduction to Restorative Practices will provide participants with the foundational understanding of Restorative Practices along with opportunities to grow skill sets to implement core restorative strategies for sustainable implementation. The session will be held on January 24, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn more about the topics and registration.
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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 and may be eligible to obtain a Site Supervisor Child Development permit, which is one option to teach transitional kindergarten. Learn more about the TK and Early Educator pathway.
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Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)
The Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program provides funding for after school and summer school enrichment programs for kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten) through 6th grade as described in California Education Code (EC) Section 46120. ELO Program funding was established by Assembly Bill (AB) 130 in 2021 and has been amended by AB 181 (Chapter 52, Statutes of 2022) and AB 185 (Chapter 571, Statutes of 2022). Find the California Education Code for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.
Commencing with the 2023-24 school year, local educational agencies (LEAs) shall be subject to an audit to determine compliance with specific program requirements (EC Section 46120(c)(1)). As of December 2022, the CDE has provided guidance that the 2023-24 ELO-Program audit procedures will be used to review the 2023-24 records and data. This audit template is forthcoming.
The System of Support for Expanded Learning at SDCOE will be hosting a virtual ELO Program Plan Guide session in collaboration with the California Department of Education (CDE) on Jan. 25, 9 to 10 a.m. This session has been designed for district or charter expanded learning leadership to review ELO Program Plan Guide requirements. Register for SDCOE ELO Program Plan Guide session.
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Important Notice: UPK Funding Expenditure Reports Past Due
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As a condition of receipt of UPK funds, LEAs must provide program data to the CDE. The CDE shall initiate collection proceedings for grant funds used by LEAs in a manner consistent with the requirements in EC 8281.5, including, but not limited to, failing to submit expenditure reports.
Helpful Resources
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Faculty and Staff Professional Learning Opportunities
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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 CDE requirements.
Our goal at SDCOE 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.
Subscribe to the SDCOE Universal PreKindergarten to Third Grade (P-3) publication.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.
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