Here you will find information, resources and tools for TK.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is an elementary school program that is also under the Early Learning Department and aligned with our OUSD preschools. It is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for students that will go to kindergarten the following school year. TK programs are available at most OUSD elementary schools.
Learn more about TK Grade Eligibility Calculator
Our goal is to serve the families of Oakland’s youngest children as they prepare for school success. Our ECE program strives to build relationships between families, schools, and the broader Oakland community and partners.
Learn more about our mission, philosophy, and core values.
Click here for Creative Curriculum and FOSS curriculum information and resources.
Click here to find DRDP and Aeries Report Cards information and resources.
Click here to learn more about Early Childhood Environments and Best Practices. Includes information on interest areas and a photo collection of ECE classrooms withing OUSD.
Click here to find important dates for PD, PLCs, Creative Curriculum, and Assessments, and more
Click here to find resources for all ECE educators including Personal Development, Tech Tutorials, Wellness Tips, and much more!
Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Approach:
At the heart of our SEL work is the Teaching Pyramid framework, which promotes healthy social-emotional development for all children. Rooted in equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care, this approach supports educators in creating nurturing relationships, predictable routines, and supportive classroom environments.
Here are some essential Teaching Pyramid resources to support SEL in your classroom. To learn more about the Teaching Pyramid and additional resources:
The foundation of the Teaching Pyramid is you! This guide offers simple, effective ways to take care of yourself so you can show up as your best self for your students.
How we greet children sets the tone for connection. This tool supports relationship-building, a key piece of the Teaching Pyramid framework.
Go beyond simple praise! Learn how to meaningfully acknowledge student behavior using Positive Descriptive Acknowledgement to reinforce learning and connection.
Consistent routines and expectations are important. Use this template (with icons, translations, and space for student photos) to help children understand and navigate their day with confidence.
Learn more about how the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) team supports early childhood classrooms through tiered strategies and inclusive practices.
Info coming soon.
[Link will be added here once available]
Resilient Oakland Communities & Kids (ROCK) is a trauma-informed initiative that supports OUSD early educators with tools, coaching, and strategies to build healing-centered, resilient classrooms.
Our amazing teachers have generously shared tools and ideas that support classroom learning and connection. Click here to explore a few!
Language Development
Within our ECE classrooms, we are dedicated to fostering the language development of young children. On this page, you will find a wealth of resources designed to support educators in nurturing children's language abilities. Our materials include best practices, visual supports, and evidence-based strategies to help children expand their vocabulary, improve their communication skills, and build a strong linguistic foundation.
Dual Language Supports
Dual-language development refers to the process by which a child acquires their home language and English. Research shows that learning in two languages expands and enhances students' thinking skills and cognitive development. Here are some resources to support multilingualism within your ECE classroom
Culture, Diversity, and Equity
"Early educators who learn to think from a multicultural perspective are better able to provide opportunities that reflect each child’s culture and family experiences (Banks 2006 and 2008). Learning environments are enriched when children’s individual characteristics, values, cultures, and temperaments—as well as diversity among children, families, and peers—are respected and valued in concrete ways. " (ECE Competencies, p. 29)
Here you will find resources to support culture, diversity, and equity in the classroom.
Special Needs & Inclusion
The goal of inclusion in education, then, is to create equity and opportunity through diversity, respect, and welcoming of all students. . Because children learn and develop in different ways, it is the responsibility of early childhood educators to provide diverse learning opportunities to meet the needs of all children.
Here are some resources to support special needs and inclusion in the classroom.
For professional development, tech support, wellness and other educator resources click here.
Contact Us
Early Learning Administrative Office
1025 4th Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94606
510-879-8410