Transition to Kindergarten (TK)

Monroe School District's Transition to Kindergarten (TK) program provides young learners with access to early learning opportunities to help build a solid foundation for their academic development. The TK program is 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 in kindergarten the following school year.

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, we are offering two different TK programs:

Traditional TK Program

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. Much like our traditional classrooms, our traditional TK classes are taught in English only. 

Dual Language TK Program

Due to our community's interest in the addition of a Dual Language TK program, we are adding a new Dual Language TK classroom beginning in the 2025-26 school year! In this program, 90% of the instruction will be in Spanish and 10% will be in English, with the ultimate goal of supporting students in becoming biliterate in both languages. Not only will this program help prepare early learners build a solid academic and social foundation, it also prepares students for a successful beginning in our Dual Language Program as kindergartners the following school year. 

Eligibility Criteria

All TK Programs

To be eligible for screening for any of our TK programs, all children must:

Traditional TK Program

In addition to the above criteria that all children must meet for TK, children must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for screening for our Traditional TK program:

  • Not be enrolled in another early learning program (this does not include daycare)
  • Demonstrate a need in at least one of the following areas:
    • Academics, or
    • Emotional/social development, or
    • Fine and gross motor skills, or
    • Language development, or
    • Lack access to a licensed preschool opportunity due to availability or financial circumstances, or
    • Qualify for free/reduced price meals

Dual Language TK Program

In addition to the above criteria that all children must meet for TK, children must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for screening for our Dual Language TK program:

  • Demonstrate a need for additional support to transition smoothly into our Dual Language kindergarten program the following school year

If you have questions about eligibility criteria, please contact Camille House at housec@monroe.wednet.edu or (360) 804-2600.

Locations

We currently have three Traditional TK classrooms for the 2024-25 school year: one is located at Fryelands Elementary, one at Frank Wagner Elementary, and one at Chain Lake Elementary. 

For the 2025-26 school year, our Traditional TK classrooms will be located at a minimum of two elementary schools. Locations are determined each year based on need and enrollment. The Dual Language TK classroom will be located at Frank Wagner Elementary.

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

Dates/Times

The TK program follows the regular Monroe School District calendar and will run the entire school year, from September to June. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., and Fridays from 8:55 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.

Applications - Now Open!

Transition to Kindergarten applications are now open for the 2025-26 school year! Applications received by April 30, 2025 will be given priority. Families who qualify for screening will be notified in mid-May for screening in June.

Apply Now!

Screening

 Those who potentially qualify are invited via email or phone call to an in-person screening at the District Administration Office (14692 179th Avenue SE, Monroe) in June. 

During your child's screening appointment, we will spend time getting 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 understand more about your child. 

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 to enter kindergarten.

Is there a cost for Transition to Kindergarten?

No, it is a free program!

What is the application process? 

Once the application is completed and your child is deemed eligible, we will contact you to schedule an in-person screening. Students are identified as eligible based on need (see eligibility criteria above). 

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 and abilities.

Is transportation available? 

Yes! Transportation is available for students in the TK program who live more than one mile walking distance from their home school. Transportation from students' home school is available if students attend a school outside of their home school boundaries (see school boundaries page to determine home school).

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 with a target class size of 20 students.

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 Camille House at housec@monroe.wednet.edu or (360) 804-2600.