Prekindergarten to 3rd Grade and Universal Transitional Kindergarten

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June 16, 2022

A Year In Review

With the end of the school year quickly approaching and our universal prekindergarten (UPK) template presentations due to our boards on or before June 30, it is important to pause, reflect, and celebrate. Much learning and collaboration has been done over the last six to eight months as we have worked to design a UPK plan that is inclusive, equitable, and — simply put — good for all kids! Our 4-year-olds across the county will benefit from your thoughtful work as they enter their classrooms this fall.

This work has been rich and robust. We have had an opportunity to think about a true vision for our young learners. As local educational agency (LEA) teams, we have worked to collaborate with families, our communities, organizations, and internal LEA teams to think about best program models, staffing, and expanded learning opportunities. These discussions and decisions have worked to support a cohesive plan for our universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) students.

At the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), we have appreciated your focus and dedication as you and your teams attended our Putting It All Together (PIAT) series. These informational sessions helped develop and support understanding as we all worked to navigate the requirements of the UPK template and all five focus areas:

Focus Area A: Vision and Coherence
Focus Area B: Community Engagement and Partnerships
Focus Area C: Workforce Recruitment and Professional Learning
Focus Area D: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Focus Area E: LEA Facilities, Operations and Services

SDCOE continues to be here for you. We recognize that P-3 alignment is a work in progress and a complex, yet worthy journey. We look forward to developing future offerings that will enhance your current work and outcomes for all students. Likewise, we look forward to your celebrations and success stories taken from your UTK classrooms this fall. Take care and be well!

SDCOE's The TIP Sheet team publishes a podcast, Principles for Principals, designed for school leaders. Hosts Jeff Warshaw and Erin Dare have a conversation about Universal Prekindergarten with Lucia Garay, executive director for SDCOE Early Education Programs and Services. Listen as they discuss the importance of early education, the rollout of universal prekindergarten, and the implications for school leaders. And if you want more principal support and resources, sign up to receive the monthly newsletter for San Diego County school leaders.

SDCOE UPK Educator Pathway

Early childhood teachers, including those who work in preschool and transitional kindergarten, are often students' first experience with school. SDCOE is excited to share information on a new certificate program for multiple subject credential holders only, equivalent to 12 semester units and can be used toward TK requirements and toward a child development permit.

Learn more about this pathway

Future UPK Professional Learning Needs

We need your input! The SDCOE P-3-UPK team would like to know your future UPK professional learning needs. Please access this Padlet to share your ideas.

Grant Opportunities

California K12 Education: State Allocations and Grant Funding Opportunities

Early Childhood Education: State Allocations and Grant Funding Opportunities

UPK Planning and Implementation Grant Program Timeline

June 30

Under state law, the UPK plan must be developed for consideration by the LEA governing board or body at a public meeting on or before June 30, 2022. The California Department of Education (CDE) must encumber funds by June 30, 2024. LEAs will have until June 30, 2025, to use the funds.

After July 30

The CDE will be collecting information on answers to the “required questions” via survey format. LEAs must provide data, as specified by the state superintendent of public instruction, to the CDE.

By July 31

Following the presentation of the plan to the LEA school board, the agency shall respond to the CDE's subsequent requests for information no later than July 31.

New SDCOE P-3 Network 2022-23

SDCOE's P-3 team is launching a new P-3 network for the 2022-23 school year. Learn and network with educators from across the county at regularly scheduled meetings geared toward district and charter leads. More details will be released as available, but in the meantime, save the network meeting dates, if you're interested in attending.

Network Meeting Dates

All meetings are scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the following dates:

Sept. 14, 2022
Dec. 7, 2022
Feb. 15, 2023
May 17, 2023

Expanded Learning Resources and Support

Looking for expanded learning resources? The SDCOE Expanded Learning team offers a variety of resources to support your needs.

Explore CDE launch materials, information, and guidance in support of UPK planning and implementation on the California Educators Together webpage! The CDE will release additional resources on a continuous basis.

CDE Resources

UPK Planning and Implementation Grant

California Assembly Bill 130 Section 4 (revised by Assembly Bill 167 – Section 1) and Education Code 8281.5 outline that universal transitional kindergarten will be provided to all 4-year-olds statewide at no cost to families.

By ensuring that each child in California has access to a year of high-quality prekindergarten, Assembly Bill 130 sets students up for success in kindergarten and beyond.

To support these efforts, California has provided funding through the Prekindergarten Planning and Implementation Grant. Under state law, the plan must be developed for consideration by a local educational agency governing board or body at a public meeting on or before June 30, 2022. The CDE must encumber funds by June 30, 2024. Local educational agencies will have until June 30, 2025, to use the funds.

If you would prefer to not receive this newsletter, please reply to this email (or email erin.dare@sdcoe.net) and ask to be unsubscribed. SDCOE sends important and critical information throughout the year, and we don’t want you to miss out by clicking the unsubscribe link in this email.

If you have any questions or comments about P-3-UPK newsletter, email SDCOE Executive Leadership Coach Erin Dare or call 858-295-8913.

Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.