During this week’s research assignment I decided to do one of the searches on Transitional Kindergarten and one on Preschool. I wanted to read more in depth about each, in order to understand the similarities and differences. I discovered that transitional kindergarten was never really created to take the place of preschool (which is what I originally thought). It was created to foster the needs for children who are not quite old enough for kindergarten but may be socially, emotionally, and/or cognitively ready. Transitional kindergarten provides children with a developmentally appropriate environment to assist them in reaching an even higher development, prior to entering kindergarten “ due to the increased academic pressures in kindergarten” (Curwood, Jen).
When reading the e-book Preschool Adequacy and Efficiency in California, I became aware of the many holes existing in the preschool system prior to transitional kindergarten. Some children were denied pre-k education based on their income, even if they needed it. “The pattern of gaps in achievement manifested in the early elementary grades is also evident in gaps in school-readiness measures when children first enter kindergarten” (pg. 123). This information was eye opening and gave me a better understanding as to why transitional kindergarten is important.
I am excited to learn more about the difference and similarities of preschool and kindergarten. Next week, I would like to research the curriculums found in both programs.
Links to this week’s research:
https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.libproxy.chapman.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzMwNDkxOV9fQU41?sid=a670b316-8bdf-4bc8-8f95-776dc644f83d@sessionmgr105&vid=0&format=EB&rid=1
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/rise-transitional-kindergarten
