An Overview of Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF)

California PTKLF

The California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) describe the learning and development of most children ages three to five and a half years old in high-quality early education programs.

The California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) outline key knowledge and skills that most children ages three to five and a half years old can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development. The foundations can provide preschool and transitional kindergarten (TK) educators, parents, and the public with a clear understanding of the wide range of knowledge and skills that children typically attain when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program, whether it be in center-based, home-based, or TK settings.

The Preschool Learning Foundations (PLF) were originally released by the California Department of Education (CDE) in January 2008 (Volume 1), 2010 (Volume 2), and 2012 (Volume 3). In the 2021 Budget Bill, the CDE was given the authority to revise the PLF to reflect recent research in child development in all domains: Math, Language and Literacy, Science, Social-Emotional Development, History Social-Science, Health, Visual Performing Arts, and Physical Development.

California PTKLF Domains

The foundations can provide early childhood educators, parents, and the public with a clear understanding of the wide range of knowledge and skills that preschool children typically attain when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.

The foundations were revised using an inclusive and deliberative input process, including statewide educator focus groups, interest holder input sessions, and review by subject matter experts.