Monroe School District is offering Transitional Kindergarten for children who are not currently in an early learning program and are age eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2022. Our goal is to provide families with the opportunity to ensure their students begin their school careers ready for kindergarten. This program will provide an equitable start for students by offering a high quality early learning experience before they enter the traditional kindergarten classroom. Students will be screened in the late spring and summer and may qualify based on need. 

Prerequisite Requirements for Transitional Kindergarten (must meet all):

• Students who turn five (5) between September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2022
• Not currently identified for participation in another preschool program
• Reside within the Monroe School District boundaries

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

• Show a need in at least one of the following:
  • 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 meals
  • Qualify for bilingual education

This free program will start in September 2021. Transitional Kindergarten will run though the last day of school in June. We will focus on social, foundational academic, and self-help skills to prepare children for kindergarten. Students will transition to their neighborhood school to begin kindergarten in the fall of 2022.

Families interested in having their child participate in the Transitional Kindergarten program should complete an online application. Forms received by June 1, 2021, will receive priority. We look forward to talking with you soon!

Transitional Kindergarten Application

For assistance, please contact Monroe School District’s Early Learning Administrator Melanie Gray, graym@monroe.wednet.edu.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Is there a cost for Transitional Kindergarten?

No, it is a free program!

What is the application process? 

We will make the online application available to families in April. 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 Transitional Kindergarten program will consist of a diverse, heterogeneous makeup of students representing varying levels of skills, abilities, race and other demographic indicators. 

Where will the Transitional Program be located? 

We are looking at a few of our elementary schools currently. Once we get closer to school starting and we have a better idea on student enrollment, we will be able to inform families of the location. 

Is transportation available? 

Yes! Students receive transportation services to and from school if needed, just like other students in the Monroe School District.

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 Transitional 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 Transitional 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.

Who do I contact if I have questions? 

Please contact Monroe School District’s Early Learning Administrator Melanie Gray at graym@monroe.wednet.edu.