TK vs. Preschool: Why Families Choose Linda Beach

In the last 20 years, kindergarten has changed dramatically — but children’s developmental needs have not. TK (Transitional Kindergarten) is designed as the first year of a two-year kindergarten program, with most districts offering five days a week, 5–6 hours a day. For many four-year-olds, that’s simply too much, too soon.

At Linda Beach Cooperative Preschool, we take a different approach. Our part-time, play-based program is rooted in decades of research in early childhood education. We believe that three- and four-year-olds learn best when they:

• Explore through dramatic and imaginative play

• Build confidence, kindness, and self-regulation in a nurturing environment

• Engage with hands-on activities that strengthen creativity, motor skills, and problem-solving

With a 4:1 adult-to-child ratio, our students benefit from close connections with teachers and parents alike. Each class has two credentialed teachers, plus parent participation that enriches the learning environment.

We also offer:

• Motor Development classes for both 3- and 4-year-olds

• Spanish language introduction for our 4-year-olds

• Daily opportunities to build pre-math, early literacy, social-emotional, and executive function skills

The result? Children who are confident, curious, and ready for kindergarten — not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

While TK may be free, many families (including full-time working parents) find that our schedule and philosophy are more developmentally appropriate, sustainable, and joyful for their children’s early years.