Early Childhood Education

What is transitional kindergarten? What to expect when enrolling your child

California is making transitional kindergarten available to all 4-year-olds. So what is it, and how do you know if it’s right for your child and your family?

A colorful illustration presented in several panels, each containing images of kids playing or doing activities.

California’s transitional kindergarten expansion creates big choices for parents

As California moves toward its goal of serving more than 300,000 students by the fall of 2025, the success of universal TK will largely depend on parents buying into the program.

A family with one man, woman, boy and girl, all with medium-brown skin, head out the door of a home. The man and woman are each holding a small backpack.

California is adding a new grade for all 4-year-olds. But not every district has the right space for them

School districts across the state are struggling to build or modify the classroom space most appropriate for new young learners.

A white wall with metal hangers lined with children's school backpacks of various colors.

California teacher shortage hinders push to provide transitional kindergarten for bilingual learners

It’s uncertain whether California will have enough teachers to meet the state’s ambitious goals to provide transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, and increase bilingual education for dual-language learners.

A woman with light brown skin sits at a small round classroom table. A number of children eat lunch around her. One child clings to her back.

How To Host Your Own Super Fun Children's Reading Party, Just Like We Did

For our second annual Super-Fun Saturday, we partnered with more than two dozen community partners, along with local Los Angeles authors and performers.

A light-skinned woman on a stage reads to a group of children and adults in a brightly colored but dark room.

Minimum Wage Rising For Fast Food, Health Care Workers. Where Does That Leave Child Care Workers?

Minimum wage for many California fast workers is now $20. Those who work in child care say they feel left behind.

A 4-year-old boy with light brown skin plays with playdough at a children's table set up as part of a rally. People hold signs, chanting behind him.

Governor’s Budget Revisions Cut Money For Transitional Kindergarten Classrooms

The governor's revised proposal makes cuts to funding for transitional kindergarten facilities, state preschool slots, and home visiting programs.

A 4-year-old girl in a pink shirt sits in a classroom.

Why So Few Children Are Getting Screened For Delays — And Tips For Parents

Research shows that early intervention for children with developmental delays is key. But less than a third of children on Medi-Cal are receiving state-mandated developmental screenings.

A child with brown hair in a braid looks out a rainy window.

How To Have The Pregnancy You Deserve, According To Black Parents And Maternal Health Experts

Parents and maternal health advocates share advice for expecting parents, from listening to grandmas to making your voice heard.

A medium-light skin tone Black woman with straightened hair pulled back in a long ponytail crouches next to her son’s stroller with a big smile on her face as she looks at him. Her son, a medium skin tone baby with a soft striped hoodie and grey leggings, looks at the camera with a big smile and his tongue sticking out behind two front teeth.

Black Moms Bring Questions, Accountability (And A Party Bus) To LA Hospitals

An organized bus tour takes Black pregnant people to hospitals and clinics around Los Angeles to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.

A group of Black women sit in a bus with dark paneling but bright blue neon lights running along the top.

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