Transitional Kindergarten pre-registration for the 2020-21 school year opens Feb. 17 at the Fort Dodge Community School District. To be eligible to attend TK in the fall of 2020, children must be 5 years old by Sept. 15, 2020. Space is limited and a waiting list will be started once the TK sections are full. TK hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., with the doors opening at 7:30 a.m.

TK bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten, providing students with the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. TK is based on the Iowa Core Kindergarten Standards, including focused instruction in literacy and numeracy with a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement. TK is designed to build the necessary social and academic skills for school success.

Children who need additional time and preparation to develop academic and social skills for the rigor of kindergarten may benefit from TK. Families should consider their child’s language, social, cognitive and motor skills development to determine if TK is the right fit for their child. Conversation with your child’s preschool teacher can also help with this decision. Ultimately, the decision to attend TK is up to each family.

Parents/guardians may pre-register their child for TK using the online form located at www.fdschools.org. Parents/guardians may also call the registrar at the Central Administration Building at 574-5679 to pre-register their child. The following information is needed:

∫ If your child currently attends preschool at Riverside ELC: no paperwork is needed at this time. Use the online form to indicate your intention to enroll in TK with the Fort Dodge district.

∫ If your child currently attends preschool at Childcare Discovery, Community Christian, Dodger Preschool, Little Lambs or St. Edmond: proof of guardianship, proof of address and immunization records are needed. Use the online form to indicate your intention to enroll in TK at the FDCSD.

∫ If your child currently does not attend preschool: proof of guardianship, proof of address and immunization records are needed. Use the online form to indicate your intention to enroll in TK. You will then receive a link to complete the pre-registration process online.

Families will also want to sign their child up for the TK Roundup session using the online form. TK Roundup will be held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at Riverside Early Learning Center.

Families will need to complete the full registration process online during the summer of 2020.