California TK eligibility calculator
Enter your child’s date of birth to see exactly which fall they’re eligible for Transitional Kindergarten in California. The tool uses the state’s settled September 1 cutoff and finished universal TK (2026–27). No income limits — TK is a free public-school grade.
Pick a date above to see your child’s TK and kindergarten years.
California TK eligibility chart by date of birth
Don’t want to type a date? Find your child’s birthday range below to see which school year they qualify for TK, and which year they move on to kindergarten. The highlighted row is the current 2026–27 TK year — the first fully “settled” year of universal TK, where the rule is simply turn 4 by September 1.
| Date of birth | TK-eligible school year | Kindergarten year |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 2, 2016 – Sept 1, 2017 | Not eligible for TK | 2022–2023 |
| Sept 2, 2017 – Feb 2, 2018 | 2022–2023 | 2023–2024 |
| Feb 3, 2018 – Sept 1, 2018 | Not eligible for TK | 2023–2024 |
| Sept 2, 2018 – Apr 2, 2019 | 2023–2024 | 2024–2025 |
| Apr 3, 2019 – Sept 1, 2019 | Not eligible for TK | 2024–2025 |
| Sept 2, 2019 – June 2, 2020 | 2024–2025 | 2025–2026 |
| June 3, 2020 – Sept 1, 2020 | Not eligible for TK | 2025–2026 |
| Sept 2, 2020 – Sept 1, 2021 | 2025–2026 | 2026–2027 |
| Sept 2, 2021 – Sept 1, 2022 | 2026–2027Current | 2027–2028 |
| Sept 2, 2022 – Sept 1, 2023 | 2027–2028 | 2028–2029 |
| Sept 2, 2023 – Sept 1, 2024 | 2028–2029 | 2029–2030 |
Eligibility is based on California Department of Education guidance and may vary slightly by district. Always confirm enrollment dates with your local school district. Not legal or enrollment advice.
How California’s TK cutoff works
California uses a single, statewide cutoff for both TK and kindergarten: September 1. A child who turns 4 on or before September 1 can start TK that fall; a child who turns 4 on September 2 or later starts the following fall. The same cutoff applies to kindergarten at age 5.
This rule is now stable. Through 2024–25, California phased TK in by gradually widening the birthday window (it was once based on turning 5 in a shifting range). Since 2025–26, every district must offer TK to every child who turns 4 by September 1 — what’s often called “TK for All” or universal TK. The 2026–27 year is the first fully settled year under the finished rule.
For the full eligibility breakdown, the universal-TK history, and answers to every common age question, see our flagship California TK eligibility guide.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the California TK eligibility calculator work?
- Enter your child’s date of birth. California’s rule is simple under finished universal TK: a child is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten in the school year starting fall Y if they turn 4 by September 1 of year Y. The calculator applies that September 1 cutoff to your child’s birthday and returns the fall they can start TK (and the fall they move on to kindergarten).
- What is the TK cutoff date in California?
- September 1. A child who turns 4 on or before September 1 can enroll in TK for the school year that starts that fall. A child who turns 4 on September 2 or later waits until the following school year. This is now a stable, statewide rule — it no longer shifts each year.
- Is my child eligible for TK in 2026–27?
- For the 2026–27 school year, yes if your child turns 4 between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2022. Enter the exact birthday in the calculator above to confirm the specific fall your child qualifies.
- Is California TK free, and is there an income limit?
- TK is a public-school grade, so it is free — no tuition and no income requirement. Every qualifying 4-year-old in California is eligible regardless of family income.
- What if my child just misses the September 1 cutoff?
- If your child turns 4 just after September 1, they start TK the next school year. In the meantime, preschool, a free pre-K program, or Head Start are common alternatives. Confirm exact enrollment dates with your local school district.
Helpful guides for parents
Published June 23, 2026. Estimates based on California Department of Education guidance; districts can set their own enrollment dates.