Monroe School District's Transition to Kindergarten (TK) program provides students with access to early learning opportunities to help build a solid foundation for their academic development. With a focus on social, foundational academic, and self-help skills, this program provides an equitable early learning opportunity for students by preparing them for the kindergarten classroom.

Students are screened for eligibility based on the criteria below.

Prerequisite Requirements for TK (must meet all):

• Students must be four (4) years old by August 31 prior to starting the program
• Not currently identified for participation in another preschool program
• Reside within the Monroe School District boundaries

Qualifying Criteria for TK (must meet at least one of the following):

• Show a need in at least one of the following areas:
  • Academics
  • Emotional/social development
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Language development
• Lack access to a licensed preschool opportunity due to availability or financial circumstances
• Qualify for free/reduced price meals
• Qualify for bilingual education

Locations

One Transition to Kindergarten program classroom is located at Fryelands Elementary and the other at Frank Wagner Elementary.

Students will transition to their neighborhood school to begin kindergarten in the fall of the following year.

Calendar

The program follows the regular Monroe School District calendar and will run the entire school year.

Application

Both TK classrooms are currently full for the 2023-24 school year. Applications for the 2024-25 school year will be availabe in the spring of 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can children who are eligible for kindergarten due to age enroll in Transition to Kindergarten instead? 

No. Children who are age 5 by August 31 are eligible for traditional kindergarten programs per OSPI.

Is there a cost for Transition to Kindergarten?

No, it is a free program!

What is the application process? 

Once the application is completed, if your child is eligible we will contact you to schedule an in-person screening. Students are identified as eligible based on need (financial, academic, and/or social-emotional). 

What is the screening process?                                                                                              

We will use this time to get to know your child and their developmental strengths and needs. This will be done by playing, counting, drawing, movement and other fun activities. After the screening we will meet with the family to ask questions and get to know more information about your child. 

What will the class makeup of students be? 

Similar to our traditional kindergarten classrooms, the Transition to Kindergarten program will consist of a diverse makeup of students representing varying levels of skills, abilities, race and other demographic indicators. 

Is transportation available? 

Yes! Students in the TK program will be provided transportation from their home school (see school boundaries page to determine home school) to the school where their TK classroom is located.

Are lunch and breakfast available for students? 

Yes, students will have access to both breakfast and lunch services.

What does the class size and staffing model look like? 

Each Transition to Kindergarten classroom is staffed with a full-time, certificated teacher and a full-time classroom assistant. A target classroom size of approximately 20 students per class has been identified. 

What does a typical day look like in a Transition to Kindergarten classroom? 

You will see children learning through purposeful play. They will be immersed in opportunities to build their social emotional skills, language development and communication through play, hands on activities and small group instruction. Students will go to PE, Music and Digital Learning just like they will in traditional kindergarten. Our students will be engaging in early reading, writing and math activities that are delivered through multi-sensory experiences, role-playing, structured play and small group learning.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions, please contact David Paratore, Chief Student Services Officer, at paratored@monroe.wednet.edu or (360) 804-2609.