Setting the Stage for Universal Preschool: Is Transitional Kindergarten Serving Students Equitably?

California is on the cusp of implementing universal preschool—a step that could help level the playing field for young children. Over the next few years, all four-year-olds will become eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which has been part of the state’s early learning programs since 2012. To help prepare for an equitable expansion, we provide a demographic portrait of TK students and the districts and schools offering TK, highlighting existing gaps in participation and access.