The bill aims to fund the transition to kindergarten program for the 2024-25 school year, providing a total appropriation of $16,216,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and $4,709,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. These funds will be allocated to school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to support the program, which is designed 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 establishes guidelines for its administration, including eligibility criteria, enrollment policies, and requirements for data reporting.

Key provisions include the establishment of rules for program administration, a focus on prioritizing low-income families, and the prohibition of tuition fees for eligible children. The bill also mandates that all eligible children be assessed using the Washington kindergarten inventory of developing skills and that a local child care and early learning needs assessment be conducted before expanding the program. Additionally, starting in the 2025-26 school year, the average enrollment of eligible children in the program will be capped at the levels from the 2024-25 school year, ensuring that funding is not part of the state's basic education program.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.072