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.

OSPI published TK data on February 5, 2025, showing that TK is an effective strategy for closing opportunity gaps.

Effective July 29, 2024, OSPI published permanent rules consistent with the criteria identified in House Bill 1550 (HB 1550) as passed by the legislature.

• Transition to Kindergarten: Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 392-425
• RCW 28A.300.072 Transition to Kindergarten

Bulletin 054-24 provides information about the permanent rules and guidance for local education agencies implementing a TK program.

For questions related to TK funding, visit OSPI School Apportionment and Budget Preparations. For questions regarding enrolling your child into a Transition to Kindergarten program, please contact your local school district for assistance.

ESD WaKIDS/TK Regional Coordinators

ESD 101–Spokane
Kristin Monson
PreK-3rd Grade Professional Development Coordinator

ESD 105–Yakima
Angelica Hernandez
WaKIDS/Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Coordinator

ESD 112–Vancouver
Sara Rushlo
PreK-3rd Grade Manager

ESD 113–Tumwater/Olympia
Hilary Prince
P-3 Early Learning Regional Administrator

ESD 114–Bremerton
Kim Crummey
P-3 Professional Development Program Manager

PSESD 121–Renton
Whitney White
PreK-3rd Grade Systems Manager 

ESD 123–Tri-Cities
Jennifer Kelly
P-3 Early Learning Coordinator

NCESD 171–Wenatchee
Jan Dosh
Early Learning Coach 

ESD 189–Anacortes
Chelsea Johnson
Early Learning Coach

OSPI WaKIDS
OSPI WaKIDS Team
360-725-6161

Early Learning District Liaisons
View a list of our Early Learning District Liaisons and/or add yourself to the list. 
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TK Guidance Documents & Webinars

• Transition to Kindergarten: Minimum Standards and Requirements
• 2025 TK Checkpoint Guidance
• WaKIDS Roles and Responsibilities
• Coordinated Recruitment and Enrollment Planning Worksheet
• TK Readiness Considerations
• WA State Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Funding Early Learning Activities in Washington State with Title I, Part A
• Washington State Full Day Kindergarten Guide
• Early Learning TK Rules and Guidance PowerPoint (August 2024): Overview of Transition to Kindergarten and review of new rules and guidance. If you would like a recording, please contact Alondra Mendoza.

Blending and Braiding Funds for Early Learning and TK Programs Webinar

This webinar that took place on April 23, 2025, provides information and clarity on funding opportunities for both preschool and Transition to Kindergarten programs. OSPI’s Early Learning team and a variety of program representatives provide districts with a comprehensive overview of the variety of state and federal funding available for early learning programs. The presentation also includes reporting, compliance, and apportionment information from OSPI’s fiscal and School Apportionment and Financial Services (SAFS) departments.

Webinar Recording (link coming soon. For the recording, please email Alondra Mendoza).
Webinar Slides 
Webinar Q&A