CA SB837

Expands transitional kindergarten enrollment requirements progressively starting in the 2020–21 school year, with children having fifth birthdays between September 2 and February 28, 2021 required to enroll in 2020–21.

By the 2022–23 school year and thereafter, requires all 4-year-old children (those with fifth birthdays between September 2 and September 1 of the following year) to be admitted to transitional kindergarten programs.

Allows school districts and charter schools to voluntarily admit younger 4-year-old children not otherwise required to enroll from the 2015–16 through 2021–22 school years, with parental approval and board determination that enrollment is in the child's best interest.

Specifies that children admitted under voluntary enrollment provisions do not generate funding or attendance credits until they reach their fifth birthday.

Requires transitional kindergarten teachers first assigned after July 1, 2015 to complete 24 units in early childhood education or have comparable professional experience by August 1, 2020.