Review Early Learning Resources suitable for children from birth through 12th grade. Resources include Early Learning and Development Guidelines, literacy and learning pathways, and more!
Early Learning in Washington State
Early Learning Resources
Contact Information
Samantha Bowen
Executive Director
360-725-6161
Statewide, thousands of children are served in school district programs, including pregnant and parenting teen programs, preschool programs, and Transitional 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.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a kindergarten program for children, below the age of five, who do not otherwise have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten and have been deemed eligible by the school district through screening and other measures. Not all schools offer TK.
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.
Monthly PreK-3rd Grade School Improvement Bites
Aligned to the monthly statewide school improvement themes, OSPI and the AESD have developed one page “Bites” with resources and information focused on early learning from PreK-3rd Grade. Each “Bite” contains helpful resources, content and data specifically for PreK-3rd Grade educators.