Transition to Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten is intended to reduce opportunity gaps and help ensure that students have access to an early learning experience. Our goal is to provide high quality preschool experiences that empower students and families as they enter Issaquah School District.

Transition to Kindergarten students will follow the same bell schedule as K-5 students. It will be a day full of purposeful play and learning experiences which will focus on essential academics, social-emotional skills, and learning habits. Transition to Kindergarten students will have access to district transportation and specialist classes (music, PE, library).

This program will follow the Kindergarten schedule. Transition to Kindergarten will follow Issaquah School District calendar and breaks. Family Connection Meetings will take place during the first week of school.

Yes! Transportation will be provided for our Transition to Kindergarten students.

Children must be at least 4 years old by August 31 of the school year and live within the boundaries of Issaquah School District. Eligibility is determined through the application and screening process. Space is limited, and priority is given to children who demonstrate the most need for additional preparation prior to entering kindergarten. Transition to Kindergarten Eligibility Considerations:

• Child demonstrates academic, and/or social-emotional needs
• Child lacks access to high-quality early learning group experiences
• Families who are impacted by limited family income may be eligible for free preschool through Transition to Kindergarten or ECEAP.
• We will work with your family to determine eligibility.

After submitting an application, you will receive a follow-up phone call from the ISD to schedule a screening (if your child is eligible) that will take place at the district office. Students are eligible based on need (financial, academic, and/or social-emotional) and space availability.

During the 15-minute screening, we will get to know your child’s developmental strengths and needs through drawing, counting, playing, and having fun! Immediately following the screening, there will be a family meeting to talk about the results, share information about your child’s development, and ask questions.

After the screening process and family meeting, you will be notified whether or not your child has been identified for Transition to Kindergarten. We will begin to send notifications of eligibility in May.

If your child is eligible, placement is based on Issaquah School District boundary areas.

• Students that live in the Clark, Cougar Ridge, IVE, Sunset or Grand Ridge boundary area

• Students that live in the Newcastle, Apollo, Briarwood, or Maple Hills boundary area

• Students that live in the Discovery, Cedar Trails, Challenger, Creekside, Endeavour, Sunny Hills or Cascade Ridge boundary area