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.

Please note: in Spring 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed SB 1579, capping funding for TK programs at 7,266 annual average full-time equivalent students statewide for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Each district now has its own funding limit, and no new programs may open until growth resumes in 2027-28. OSPI is developing a protocol to determine which districts may open or expand TK programs in 2027-28.

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. Contact us for information on alternative funding sources for TK programs. 

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

TK Guidance Documents & Webinars

• Transition to Kindergarten: Minimum Standards and Requirements
• TK FAQ 2025
• Transition to Kindergarten Site Visit Protocol
• Transition to Kindergarten & Kindergarten Administrator Walk-Through Tool
• 2025 WaKIDS Checkpoint Guidance
• Coordinated Recruitment and Enrollment Planning Worksheet
• TK Readiness Considerations
• Funding Early Learning Activities in Washington State with Title I, Part A
• 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.
• Washington State Transition to Kindergarten and Kindergarten Quick Guide This resource provides a concise overview of the essential elements in each chapter of the full Washington State Transition to Kindergarten and Kindergarten Guide (coming soon) and serves as an efficient reference prior to engaging with the comprehensive guide in greater detail.
• Coming Soon - The Early Learning team at OSPI collaborated with Education Service Districts, early childhood educators, higher education institutions, and internal OSPI departments—including Special Education, Multi-Lingual, Elementary Education, and Migrant Education—to develop the Washington State Transition to Kindergarten and Kindergarten Guide. This guidance provides comprehensive evidence-based practices and strategies for educators and administrators to implement developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and play-based early learning environments that support the whole child’s development, promote equity, foster family engagement, and utilize effective assessment and instructional methods to ensure every child’s success in TK and kindergarten. Training modules are being developed in alignment with this guidance to further support practitioners in growing their pedagogical skills in TK and kindergarten classrooms. This guidance underscores the importance of play, a critical component of early learning, serving as the foundation of cognitive, social and emotional development in young children. 

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 | Slides | Q&A