Making kindergarten information available early is one step in an on-going effort to raise awareness, provide educational material, and engage directly with parents and community organizations. In addition to being prepared academically, children need to have experience interacting with others, learning self-control, and cooperating with their peers. All of those involved in the lives of young children can provide them with rich opportunities to play and learn with others within and outside of a school environment.
There is strong research from several studies which demonstrate the impact high-quality early learning environments can have on both short- and long-term outcomes for young children[1]. These studies show that students who have access to high-quality early learning opportunities perform better in mathematics and literacy, and have stronger “soft-skills” critical for success in school, beginning with kindergarten[2].
Unfortunately, young children who do not have access to high-quality early learning opportunities are typically low-income, children of color and/or students whose first language is not English are also the children who benefit the most from these early learning experiences. These characteristics are also representative of many of the communities and neighborhoods which serve the districts in the Road Map region.
To help eliminate this opportunity gap and ensure success for each child, PSESD in partnership with school districts in the South King County region are helping increase school readiness for students and families by developing strategies that span the spectrum of support.
“There is a lot we can and are doing to increase school readiness. These efforts range from funding more high-quality learning environments to creating smoother transitions into kindergarten,” said Mary Waldron, P-3 Systems Program Manager. “One way to support smoother transitions is through more aligned registration systems, and promoting and supporting early kindergarten registration.”
The Puget Sound ESD Road Map to Student Success provides our agency and region with an overarching goal of “Success for each child and eliminate the opportunity gap.” It further states that in order to meet that goal, children must 1) Enter school READY to learn, 2) ACHIEVE at high levels throughout K-12 education, and 3) Be prepared to SUCCEED in a post-secondary education and chosen career. As an agency we’ve identified some BOLD strategies to 
meet this goal, one of which is kindergarten readiness. As experts point out, Kindergarten readiness involves more than just children; it is also about their families, environments, schools and communities[1]. The role of parents and interactions with environments and other adults greatly influence the skills and development of young children. In addition, we know that smooth transitions into formal school settings, particularly kindergarten, are critically important to setting the stage for young students’ success[2].
One way to help create smoother transitions into kindergarten for kids and families is through early kindergarten registration. Early registration is one component of the overall transition into kindergarten, and is critical for several reasons; chief among them is laying the foundation for positive and ongoing relationships between schools and families. In addition, early registration can plug families into myriad opportunities, such as Play & Learn groups, Jumpstart, and Ready for K!, all of which can increase school readiness for kids and strengthen parent-to-parent and school-to-family relationships. In South King County Play & Learn groups are available through Highline, Seattle and Tukwila School Districts. Jumpstart, K Camp or Ready for K! are available through Highline, Kent, Renton, Seattle and Tukwila. If you would like to learn more about opportunities in your district please contact your designated Early Learning Lead.
As part of their aligned efforts, the Road Map Region (comprised of the seven school districts in South King County – Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, Renton, Seattle, and Tukwila) have identified MLK Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2015) as opening day for kindergarten registration. This means that beginning January 20th all seven school districts will be providing information on kindergarten registration and begin the process of engaging incoming families. Efforts to spread the word about early registration via school districts and community partners will begin in the Winter and continue through Spring. The Road Map region is known for its tremendous diversity and high mobility rates among families. By agreeing to a coordinated start date, increasing efforts to get out the word, and streamlining communications and processes, the region is increasing efforts to bolster kids’ skills even before the first day of school.
Making kindergarten information available early is one step in an on-going effort to raise awareness, provide educational material, and engage directly with parents and community organizations. In addition to being prepared academically, children need to have experience interacting with others, learning self-control, and cooperating with their peers. All of those involved in the lives of young children can provide them with rich opportunities to play and learn with others within and outside of a school environment.
Community based organizations, families and district leaders are collaborating to develop key messages about the benefits of kindergarten and early kindergarten registration. Registration and marketing materials for the early registration campaign will be available in early 2015; look for packets and additional information about the Early Kindergarten Registration initiative on your district website, in local libraries and community resource centers.
If your district or community organizations is interested in participating in the Early Kindergarten Registration campaign, please contact Mary Waldron at mwaldron@psesd.org or (425) 917-7805
PSESD contributing writers: Mary Waldron, Prenatal-3rd Grade Systems Program Manager, and Kay Lancaster, School Readiness Director
[1] Abbott Districts, NJ: Abbott Preschool Program Longitudinal Effects Study
Ypsilanti, MI: The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study through Age 40
[2] Boston, MA: Impacts of a Prekindergarten Program on Children’s Mathematics, Language, Literacy, Executive Function and Emotional Skills
[1] Clifford & Maxwell 2004: Research in Review School Readiness Assessment
[2] Pianta & Kraft-Sayre 2003. Successful Kindergarten Transition: Your Guide to Connecting Children, Families & Schools.
