How is the district funding this program?

The district’s Transitional Kindergarten Program is funded by the State of Washington for qualifying students.

How is Transitional Kindergarten different than the traditional kindergarten program?

Students are normally eligible for traditional kindergarten when and if they are five years of age by August 31.

Wishkah Valley’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is intended for 4 year-old resident area children who are not yet five by August 31. Through a screening process, eligible students qualify if it is determined that program access is necessary to ensure they are successful in kindergarten the following year.

In most cases, TK students will continue into regular kindergarten the following year, however there may be instances when a student is promoted to first grade instead.

What is the program like?

Per state law, Transitional Kindergarten program mirrors the district’s traditional kindergarten program. School year length, length of day and programming are similar while ensuring age and developmentally appropriate social skills, activities, structured play, and academic experiences are incorporated.

Can a student from another district enroll in Transitional Kindergarten?

The TK program mirror's the district's traditional kindergarten program. Students requesting enrollment from other districts will be considered according to space available. Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation of open enrolled students.

Is transportation provided?

Students who live within the Wishkah Valley School District boundary receive transportation services to and from their residence just like other kindergarten students.

Can a child with an IEP be enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten?

Students with IEPs may be enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten if they otherwise meet the pre-requisite and qualifying criteria requirements. Students with IEPs who are age five by August 31 must be enrolled into regular kindergarten per OSPI rules. Just like traditional kindergarten, students who qualify for special education services will be served through the traditional IEP resource and support model.

Can children who are of kindergarten age be enrolled into Transitional Kindergarten instead of regular kindergarten?

Per OSPI guidance, children 5 years old by August 31 must be enrolled in traditional kindergarten.

What does the class size and staffing model look like?

Transitional Kindergarten classroom is staffed with a full time, certificated teacher. A target classroom size of 15 students per class has been identified.

Are breakfast and lunch services available?

Identical to the district’s K-12 grade programs/schools, students in Transitional Kindergarten have access to full breakfast and lunch services including the USDA free and reduced meal program.

What will the instruction look like?

The requirements for Transitional Kindergarten are established by RCW 28A.150.315

These include provisions of a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that include, but are not limited to:

  • Established learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and promote creativity.

  • Learning through hands-on experiences.

  • Acquiring social and emotional skills, including successful participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a group.

  • Developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, communication and writing.

  • Providing experiences in such topics as science, social studies, arts, health and physical education

  • Acquiring large and small motor skills.

What will the class makeup of students be?

The Transitional Kindergarten program will consist of a diverse, heterogeneous makeup of students representing varying levels of skills, abilities, race and other demographic indicators.