Do you think transitional kindergarten (TK) is really preparing children for kindergarten and beyond?

I’ve taught preschool for many years in California and this year especially, I am losing several students to TK. I am honesty concerned about their readiness. I feel like many still lack the social stills to adapt well simply because of their ages. I also worry that the academic pressure may be too much for them and may be a stressor. Lastly, I think about the class sizes. I understand that there is an average of 20 children to 1 teacher.

As for the group that will be moving on, I would say one of them will be fine. I have no concerns about her socially, emotionally, or academically. I am honestly concerned about the others. I just feel that the children I have gotten over recent years are really emotionally much younger.

I am meeting with the parents to discuss my concerns. My guess is no matter what I say, everyone will move on even though I am located in a well-to-do area, no one can pass up on free.

I was hoping to hear from some teachers who may be an older grades who have had children on the young side and how they do the classroom.