
Transitional Kindergarten
Thank you for your interest in the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program at Hayes Barton United Methodist Preschool (HBUMP). We are honored that you are considering this next step in your child’s early education journey with us.
Our TK program was thoughtfully designed to serve as a bridge for children who would benefit from an additional year of growth before entering kindergarten. Our goal is simple: nurturing and supporting children who would genuinely benefit from an additional year of growth.
We understand that every child’s growth trajectory and readiness for the next step in their education is unique. With that in mind, our TK team focuses on social/emotional development, independence, and stamina.




The Ideal Transitional Kindergarten Student at HBUMP
Age &
Maturity
Children in TK are typically older 4s or very young 5s, often with summer or early fall birthdays, who would benefit from an additional year before entering kindergarten. These children are beginning to show emerging independence, such as dressing themselves, managing their belongings, and following multi-step directions. They are on the cusp of mastering self-regulation skills, including managing transitions and maintaining focus during structured activities.
Social &
Emotional
Development
Ideal candidates are actively developing social skills, including cooperative play, sharing, and turn-taking. They are working on navigating peer relationships and can demonstrate resilience when faced with minor conflicts or challenges. While they may still require adult guidance, these children exhibit a willingness to participate in group activities and an openness to building connections with peers.
Academic
Readiness
A TK student displays curiosity about foundational concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, and patterns. They may recognize some letters and numbers and are beginning to grasp early literacy and math skills. These children benefit from extra time to explore and solidify these concepts in a low-pressure, play-based learning environment.
Language &
Communication
Candidates are progressing in their ability to express their needs, ideas, and emotions clearly. They are expanding their vocabulary and can engage in age-appropriate conversations with adults and peers. These children are also developing the ability to listen attentively, follow multi-step directions, and contribute to group discussions.
Physical
Development
Students show emerging strength and coordination in both fine and gross motor skills. They are still developing the ability to hold a pencil or crayon with proper grip, use scissors well, and complete basic tasks like buttoning or zipping. Additionally, they are building confidence in larger physical movements, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
Order of Priority for HBUMP Transitional Kindergarten Admissions
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Age-Eligible HBUMP Students: Priority will be given to currently enrolled students turning 5 over the summer months.
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HBUMC Membership Priority: Hayes Barton United Methodist Church members will receive priority if all applicants are current HBUMP students.
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Assessment of Readiness: Current observations and assessment data will be reviewed to evaluate each child’s social-emotional maturity and academic readiness.
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Team Collaboration: Conferences will be scheduled with your child’s teacher to discuss individual readiness and placement collaboratively with the Preschool Director.
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Final Enrollment Decisions: The Preschool Director will make final enrollment decisions based on the best fit for Transitional Kindergarten candidates, ensuring the program aligns with each child’s developmental needs.
Our TK Open House typically occurs twice a year in both December and January, If you are interested in our Transitional Kindergarten program, please email Mary-Kathryn Connor at mkconnor@hbumc.org.