South Whittier School District held their monthly board meeting on Tuesday, April 19, at the district office.
This meeting was held both in-person and via Zoom. The board and attendees were able to hear a presentation from Educational Services regarding Universal Transitional Kindergarten.
Universal Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Plan
The board and attendees were able to hear a presentation by Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez, about the Universal Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Plan.
Currently a transitional kindergarten, or TK, program provides the youngest kindergarteners with the first year of a two year Kindergarten that is developmentally appropriate, and will better prepare them for success once they enter Kindergarten. The district’s Universal TK program will be committed to the development of the whole child. They will provide a Developmentally Appropriate Practice, or DAP, setting and experiences for the youngest students that encourage engagement and interaction while extending their creativity, curiosity and wonder.
Dr. Rodriguez shared the changes that will take place in staffing, eligibility, and curriculum in the new TK program. She went on to discuss changes that will take place in learning environments, leadership, and professional development and shared what teacher preparation will look like.
The presentation wrapped up by discussing the next steps in planning for Universal TK. This included professional learning communities, professional development in Early Childhood Education, looking at facilities, building a summer JumpStart Program, and increasing TK classes at each school.
The District will hold their next board meeting on Tuesday, May 17, in the District board room and via Zoom.