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California Kindergarten Association.

Rockin' Kindergarten for over 30 years!

About Us

The Mission of the California Kindergarten Association is to foster children’s early learning and development by promoting best practices and professionalism in teaching and advocating for high quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education.

The California Kindergarten Association’s 2021 List of Priorities

Legislative:

• Teacher Training Programs providing ECE Courses/Units
• Support for TK teachers to attend ECE Courses
• Mandatory Kindergarten
• Reduced Class Size
• ADA (Average Daily Attendance) Money for all 4-year-olds attending public elementary schools
• Universal Preschool (with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and learning through play)
• Full Day Kindergarten
• Childcare Credits for Working Families

CKA Actions: 

  • Promote Learning Through Play
  • Host the California Kindergarten Conference every January
  • Provide Professional Development Workshops
  • Support teachers working with Language Learners
  • Support teachers working with students with special needs
  • Support teachers in teaching developmentally appropriate early literacy
  • Support teachers in teaching developmentally appropriate early math
  • Share teaching tips and resources on social media
  • Support legislation that relates to our legislative priorities
  • Share teaching tips and resources via email
President’s Message
Kimberly and Meredith were elected Co-presidents of CKA in March 2023. Kimberly has served on the board for 10 years and Meredith has served for 18 years.
Our History
Judy Brown, with a group of dedicated educators, organized the first Bay Area Kindergarten Conference and was the first President of the CKA – more than 30 years ago.
Grants
Find out about the Judy Brown Administrator Recognition Award (JBAR) and the Audrey Sanchez Teacher Enhancement Award (ASTEA).

Board Members

Kathleen Bell, Board Member

Kathleen Bell, Board Member

Retired Kindergarten Teacher
Primary Grade Teacher ELD & Reading Intervention Specialist
Oakland

UC Berkeley – B.A. in Sociology
Sonoma State University – M.A. in Early Childhood Education BCLAD
Teacher-Trainer Certificate, High/Scope Educational Research
Credential Yoga Instructor, Cyclist and Marathoner with Team in Training

Gennie Gorback, President Elect

Gennie Gorback, President Elect

Early Childhood Educator
Orinda

UC Santa Barbara – BA Women’s Studies, Minor in Education
UC Santa Barbara – Multiple Subjects CLAD Credential
UC Santa Barbara – Masters of Education in Teaching
Foothill College – Early Childhood Education units

Nichelle Bartlett, Treasurer

Nichelle Bartlett, Treasurer

Kindergarten Teacher, Lodi Unified School District
Stockton

California Baptist University – BA in Liberal Studies and Minor in History
California Baptist University – Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
San Diego State University – CLAD Credential

Beth Pittman, President

Beth Pittman, President

First Grade Teacher, Lodi Unified School District
Stockton

CSU Stanislaus – BS in Liberal Studies, Concentration in Child Development
CSU Stanislaus – CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Meredith Yeh, Past President

Meredith Yeh, Past President

Kindergarten Teacher, San Mateo-Foster City School District
San Mateo

University of San Diego – B.A. in Diversified Liberal Arts
University of San Francisco – M.A. in Multicultural Education
Professional Clear Credential/CLAD Credential

Palma Lindsay, Board Member

Palma Lindsay, Board Member

Pre-K, TK, K-8th grade retired teacher, Santa Clarita Valley
International Early Childhood Presenter
Greenwood

CA State University Northridge – BA in Liberal Studies
CA State University Northridge – Multiple Subject Life Credential
College of the Canyons Valencia – ECE Certificate
CA State University Bakersfield – Beginning Teachers’ Support Provider units

Wendy Lundeen, Board Member

Wendy Lundeen, Board Member

Wendy Lundeen
TK Teacher, Milpitas Unified School District
Fremont

California State University East Bay – BA Liberal Studies, Early Childhood Studies Concentration
California State University East Bay – Multiple Subject Credential
California State University East Bay – MS Curriculum, Reading
California State University East Bay – Reading Specialist Credential
Foothill College – Early Childhood Education Units
California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
Arizona State University- M.Ed. Early Childhood Education
University of Southern California- Ed.D. Organizational Change and Leadership

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein, Board Member

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein, Board Member

Kindergarten Teacher, Paradise Valley Unified School District
National Early Childhood Presenter & Educational Speaker
Phoenix, AZ

Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona – B.A. in Education, Summa Cum Laude
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona – M.Ed. Elementary Education With Distinction
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – NBCT, MOC,  National Board Certified Teacher, Generalist – Early Childhood
Arizona Department of Education Credentials: Achieved Highly Qualified Teacher Status, Structured English Immersion K 12, Early Childhood Endorsement Birth through Age 8

Joann Anaya, Board Member

Joann Anaya, Board Member

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher, Carlsbad Unified School District
Oceanside

Hope International University – Bachelor of Science in Human Development
National University – Masters of Arts in Special Education
Clear CLAD California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Clear California Education Specialist Instructional Credential
Certificates in Autism and Literacy Strategies
Certificate in Literacy Strategies

 

Angela Molyneux, Secretary

Angela Molyneux, Secretary

Retired & Substitute Teacher, San Mateo Foster City School District teaching Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades
Sales associate and apprentice chocolatier at a Swiss chocolate shop
San Mateo

Cal State Hayward – BS in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing
Cal State Hayward – Multiple Subjects CLAD Credential

Chantel Touryan-Schaefer, Board Member

Chantel Touryan-Schaefer, Board Member

Early Literacy Director; Ocean Grove, South Sutter
Associate Director; Chartwell Teaching Institute
Salinas

CSU Monterey Bay – Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies and Elementary Education
Endicott College – Beverly MA, Master of Education, International Education
Clear Multiple Subject CA Credential
Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential
Orton-Gillingham – Associate Level
Dyslexia Advocate Certification

Kimberly DeMille, Past President

Kimberly DeMille, Past President

Intervention Specialist, Carlsbad Unified School District
Carlsbad

San Diego State University, BA Liberal Studies, Emphasis in Education
San Diego State University, Multiple Subjects CLAD Credential

Latest on Instagram

It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Ala It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Alanna Aker! "This was Mrs. Aker's first year in TK, moving down from Kindergarten, and she has been a rockstar. She understands Developmentally Appropriate Practices and implements activities that follow these principles daily. Mrs. Aker understands the importance of hands-on learning and she provides opportunities for her students to participate in these activities. She incorporates play into her day while creating a warm and welcoming environment for her students." This makes her the perfect candidate for Featured Teacher! Thank you, Alanna, for your dedication and caring. YOU make the world a better place🩵. Receiving this honor entitles Alanna to be entered for the opportunity to be CKA's TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Winner of the honor of Teacher of the Year wins a free CKC registration and will be recognized at #CKC2026. #ckalovesteachers #featuredteacherfriday
Today's Tuesday Teaching Tip comes from @playrooms Today's Tuesday Teaching Tip comes from @playroomstories! Quick, easy & HIGHLY ENGAGING! Let us know if you try this in your classroom! #TuesdayTeachingTip #ckalovesteachers
HaPpY MoNdAy! #randomfacts #ckalovesteachers HaPpY MoNdAy! #randomfacts #ckalovesteachers
It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Kar It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Kari Foppiano! "She is so dedicated to her students and makes everyone in her classroom feel welcome and a part of the community. She has taught for many years and her dedication to her students has never wavered. In the photo included, she is with two former students. On the left is Cody, who is now graduating high school and headed to LSU. On the right is Tim, who is 27 and an EMT in Colorado." This makes her the perfect candidate for Featured Teacher! Thank you, Kari, for your dedication and caring. YOU make the world a better place🩵. Receiving this honor entitles Kari to be entered for the opportunity to be CKA's TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Winner of the honor of Teacher of the Year wins a free CKC registration and will be recognized at #CKC2026. #ckalovesteachers #featuredteacherfriday
Tuesday Teaching Tip! Such a fun keepsake for your Tuesday Teaching Tip! Such a fun keepsake for your students! Have fun & enjoy these last days (or keep this idea in your pocket for next year!) #ckalovesteachers #TuesdayTeachingTip #AIintheclassroom
HaPpY MoNdAy! #ckalovesteachers #randomfacts HaPpY MoNdAy! #ckalovesteachers #randomfacts

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California Kindergarten Association

1 day ago

California Kindergarten Association
It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Alanna Aker! "This was Mrs. Aker's first year in TK, moving down from Kindergarten, and she has been a rockstar. She understands Developmentally Appropriate Practices and implements activities that follow these principles daily. Mrs. Aker understands the importance of hands-on learning and she provides opportunities for her students to participate in these activities. She incorporates play into her day while creating a warm and welcoming environment for her students." This makes her the perfect candidate for Featured Teacher! Thank you, Alanna, for your dedication and caring. YOU make the world a better place🩵. Receiving this honor entitles Alanna to be entered for the opportunity to be CKA's TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Winner of the honor of Teacher of the Year wins a free CKC registration and will be recognized at #CKC2026. #ckalovesteachers #featuredteacherfriday ... See MoreSee Less

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California Kindergarten Association

5 days ago

California Kindergarten Association
HaPpY MoNdAy! #randomfacts #ckalovesteachers ... See MoreSee Less

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California Kindergarten Association

1 week ago

California Kindergarten Association
It's FEATURED TEACHER FRIDAY! Congratulations, Kari Foppiano! "She is so dedicated to her students and makes everyone in her classroom feel welcome and a part of the community. She has taught for many years and her dedication to her students has never wavered. In the photo included, she is with two former students. On the left is Cody, who is now graduating high school and headed to LSU. On the right is Tim, who is 27 and an EMT in Colorado." This makes her the perfect candidate for Featured Teacher! Thank you, Kari, for your dedication and caring. YOU make the world a better place🩵. Receiving this honor entitles Kari to be entered for the opportunity to be CKA's TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Winner of the honor of Teacher of the Year wins a free CKC registration and will be recognized at #CKC2026. #ckalovesteachers #featuredteacherfriday ... See MoreSee Less

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California Kindergarten Association

2 weeks ago

California Kindergarten Association
Tuesday Teaching Tip! Such a fun keepsake for your students! Have fun!!! #ckalovesteachers #TuesdayTeachingTip ... See MoreSee Less

Video

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California Kindergarten Association

2 weeks ago

California Kindergarten Association
HaPpY MoNdAy! #ckalovesteachers #randomfacts ... See MoreSee Less

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Fax 916.780.5330

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