Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  CA UTK -- California Universal Transitional Kindergarten

    Posted 01-21-2023 10:46 AM
    Hello, 

    I'm a preschool teacher here in San Diego. I was wondering how preschools are dealing with UTK here in CA. I know we are a bit nervous because it takes away a decent amount of the clientele we would have gotten. 

    Does anyone have a plan? I appreciate the feedback or plans. :)

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    Stephanie Salomon
    Preschool Teacher
    Westwood Club Preschool
    San Diego CA
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  • 2.  RE: CA UTK -- California Universal Transitional Kindergarten

    Posted 01-23-2023 06:48 PM
    Hi Stephanie,
    I am also in San Diego.  When touring families we are highlighting the differences between UTK and our preschools.  We are providing parents with the latest local articles as well as leading research surrounding the importance of play in preschool.  We have has several families go to UTK, only to return a few weeks in to see that it was not a good fit for their children.  We are also realizing we will have to morph our services.  Gone are the days of an age specific classroom; we have more blended age classrooms.  We are also exploring adding infant/toddler care to our programs. It's a tough time for sure.

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    Jennifer W. Hardy
    Association Program Specialist
    San Diego, CA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: CA UTK -- California Universal Transitional Kindergarten

    Posted 01-24-2023 05:07 PM
    Thank you so much for your reply, Jennifer! I feel like we are doing the same thing. We just ended up adding a toddler class to our school for next year. I'm hoping it just works out well.

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    Stephanie Salomon
    Preschool Teacher
    Westwood Club Preschool
    San Diego CA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: CA UTK -- California Universal Transitional Kindergarten

    Posted 01-25-2023 08:31 AM
    Hi Stephanie,
    I'm in the Boston area, but there's an approach to UPK delivery that seems promising in Cambridge and Somerville. These cities realized they would not be able to build infrastructure fast enough to meet the need and also that there were centers throughout the community that already knew how to do the teaching. They also were not looking to put anyone out of business.  They're building a mixed delivery system so that there are UPK spots being added to and funded in centers that already exist in addition to adding classrooms to k-3 schools. I think they've been doing this work for a few years now.
    -Lauren

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    Lauren Stauble
    Consultant/Faculty
    Boston, MA
    feelthinkconnect.com
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    Original Message