Transition to Kindergarten
Transition to Kindergarten is a free, full day early entrance kindergarten program for 4-year-old children who do not have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten and have been deemed by a school district, through a screening process, to be in need of additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. The program uses play-based strategies that focus on basic academic and social skills to help qualifying students get a jump start towards success in school. Children must be 4 years old prior to August 31 of the current school year in order to be eligible for the transition to kindergarten program.
Enrollment
We have already conducted our screenings for the 2025-26 school year. If you have developmental concerns for you child and think that they may qualify for the program through Special Education, you may still fill out the Early Learning Interest Form below and we will contact you to schedule a screening appointment in the Fall.
Program dates and times, 2025-2026:
Screening: All students must be screened(tested) before entering this program. We will call you to set up an appointment. It is imperative that your child attends their scheduled screening appointment. We have already conducted our screenings for the 2025-26 school year.
Family conference: The first week of the school year in the fall, August 27 to August 29, 2025 by appointment.
First Day of Class: September 2, 2025
Transition to kindergarten students attend Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and follow the district calendar.
What is the Transition to Kindergarten screening?
The screening is an assessment used to determine your child’s development.
What happens during a Transition to Kindergarten screening?
During the screening your child may draw, count, name colors, jump, and have fun! We look at your child's motor skills (skipping, jumping, cutting, writing), conceptual skills (knowledge of colors, counting), and language skills (knowledge of letters and words, ability to solve problems). Following the screening, you will have an opportunity to talk about the results and to ask any questions about your child’s development. The screening process usually takes about 1 hour.
For more information, please contact the Beacon Elementary School office at 360-249-4528.