The bill establishes funding for the transition to kindergarten program, which is set to begin in the 2024-25 school year. It appropriates $16,216,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and an additional $4,709,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The funds are designated for allocation to school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to support the transition to kindergarten program, which aims to assist eligible children in preparing for kindergarten. The bill also amends RCW 28A.300.072 to rename the transitional kindergarten program to the transition to kindergarten program and outlines the administration, eligibility, and enrollment requirements for the program.

Key provisions include the requirement for the office of the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules for program administration and funding allocation, as well as establishing minimum standards for participating schools. The bill mandates that eligible children must be at least four years old by August 31 of the school year they enroll and emphasizes prioritizing low-income families. Additionally, it prohibits charging tuition for state-funded eligible children and ensures that children with disabilities cannot be excluded from the program. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the bill limits the annual average full-time equivalent enrollment of eligible children in the program to not exceed the enrollment levels of the previous year.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.072