Early Learning in Washington State

Statewide, thousands of children are served in school district programs, including pregnant and parenting teen programs, preschool programs, and Transition to Kindergarten. OSPI is committed to inclusive, asset-based policies and practices that increase equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities within schools and local communities. OSPI has named “Equitable Access to Strong Foundations” as one of Superintendent Reykdal's Vision and Priorities, with high-priority objectives across the PreK-3rd grade continuum.

OSPI Early Learning Initiatives

PreK-3rd Grade Leadership Network

In partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), OSPI is launching the PreK-3rd Grade Leadership Network for principals and district administrators seeking to identify and develop school improvement strategies focused on the early years. Participants will learn about key strategies, early learning initiatives, and network with other districts.

Transition to Kindergarten

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a legislatively established and authorized program for children who are at least 4 years old by August 31 and have been identified through a screening process to be in need of additional preparation to be successful kindergarten students in the following school year.

Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS)

WaKIDS is a transition process that helps to ensure a successful start to the K-12 experience and connect the key adults in a child's life. It is a required element of state-funded full-day kindergarten.

Early Learning Fellows

The Washington State Fellows’ Network is a group of instructional leaders convened by the OSPI and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) to support district and community implementation of state learning standards. Early Learning Fellows convenes instructional leaders from school districts, community-based early learning programs, and other organizations to build leadership for action that improves the experience and outcome of early learners.