21CSLA (21st Century California School Leadership Academy)

The Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) policy is fundamental to California’s extensive initiatives to improve early childhood education through the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program. As the state advances towards ensuring early childhood education is accessible to all 4-year-olds by 2026, the involvement of educators in the initial execution of UTK is crucial. This research brief examines the current perceptions of transitional kindergarten (TK) educators in California regarding the efficacy of various family engagement practices and identifies the specific supports that may be needed to enhance their ability to address academic, social, and emotional needs in students.