OFICIAL UC Berkeley News

As California embraces universal transitional kindergarten, the state’s other child-care workers are struggling

What happened
Based on UC Berkeley News · Aug 21, 2026

California’s universal transitional kindergarten program, now available to all 4-year-olds, is reshaping the child-care sector, leaving providers scrambling to adapt their business models and care for younger children.

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As California embraces universal transitional kindergarten, the state’s other child-care workers are struggling
UC Berkeley News — UC Berkeley
Key points
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With many 4-year-olds enrolling in free TK, other early child-care providers need support to reorient their businesses to serve younger children, UC Berkeley study finds.
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Last spring, UC Berkeley researcher Anna Powell sat in on a Zoom call as a number of Bay Area child-care center leaders discussed, with sympathy and frustration, the difficult position their businesses the company is in.
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In a few months, the start of the school year would also mark the first year of public transitional kindergarten (or TK) for all California 4-year-olds, completing its expansion across the state.
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An optional new grade level based at elementary schools, TK is free for families of any income level.
Key numbers
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California’s new universal transitional kindergarten (TK) program, which provides free public education for all 4-year-olds, has created a ripple effect in the child-care industry.
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Early educators report losing 4-year-old enrollees to TK, forcing them to rethink their services.
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The shift threatens their financial stability, as non-TK care remains costly, averaging $13,000 annually for a 4-year-old in the state.

California’s new universal transitional kindergarten (TK) program, which provides free public education for all 4-year-olds, has created a ripple effect in the child-care industry. Early educators report losing 4-year-old enrollees to TK, forcing them to rethink their services. The shift threatens their financial stability, as non-TK care remains costly, averaging $13,000 annually for a 4-year-old in the state. Researchers warn that the sudden market disruption risks destabilizing an already fragile child-care ecosystem.

A UC Berkeley study, based on enrollment data and educator focus groups, found that TK now accounts for 31% of care for 4-year-olds in California. Non-TK providers, particularly family child-care homes, saw a sharp decline in 4-year-old enrollment, with only 57% reporting any 4-year-olds in their care. Contrary to expectations, the freed-up slots did not lead to increased enrollment of 3-year-olds but instead saw a slight rise in younger toddlers, complicating staffing and training needs for providers.

The demographic shift has forced early educators to adjust their operations, requiring more staff, specialized training, and facility modifications to accommodate younger children. Researchers highlight that these changes demand a complete overhaul of business models in just a few years. The study’s authors emphasize that without targeted support, the child-care workforce—predominantly women of color—risks burnout or leaving the field entirely.

The report recommends state and local actions to stabilize the sector, including expanded subsidies for non-TK care, grants for facility upgrades, and faster licensing processes. It also calls for professional development opportunities focused on infant and toddler care, as well as collaboration between school districts and providers to offer extended-day options. The goal is to ensure parents have diverse, subsidized choices while preserving the workforce critical to California’s child-care system.

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