Transition to Kindergarten Program

All families must first complete the 2026-27 School Year Application before the screening process can begin.

Program Eligibility

Students qualify for Transition to Kindergarten through an application and screening process. This free program is intended for children who:

• Are not currently enrolled in an early learning program
• Demonstrate financial, academic, and/or social-emotional need 

Enrollment is limited and prioritized based on highest need, in alignment with OSPI guidelines.

Screening Process

The Transition to Kindergarten program uses a two-stage screening process:

Stage 1:  Screening Application

• Families submit initial screening forms during the application window.
• As part of this process, families must complete:
  • ASQ-3 developmental screening
  • CNEEB form
• These forms are required to be considered for further screening and will be sent directly to you via email.  Failure to complete and return both forms by August 14 will result in loss of eligibility to move forward to the Stage 2 assessment. 

Stage 2:  In-Person Screening Assessment

• Students who meet initial criteria are invited to participate in an in-person screening with a TK teacher.
• Final eligibility is determined based on student need and available space.

Families are notified at each stage regarding:

• Eligibility to move forward in the process
• Final program placement (acceptance or non-acceptance)

According to the 2026–2027 timeline, families receive notification of Stage 2 eligibility in late August and final placement decisions by early September.

Program Timeline Overview

• May–August: Stage 1 applications accepted
• Late August: Notification for Stage 2 screening
• Early September: In-person screening and eligibility decisions
• Mid-September: Program begins with a gradual start (soft start), followed by full attendance

Additional onboarding includes a Success Conference, where families meet with the teacher and students begin building connections before the first full day of school.

Classes began in September 2026.

Transition to Kindergarten is a full-day, full-week program, and will follow the same schedule and calendar as SHSD elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year.

Cherrydale Primary students accepted to the program will attend class at Chloe Clark Elementary.

The program will be offered to families who live within the district boundaries.

Transition to Kindergarten will be offered to all three primary schools (Anderson Island Elementary, Cherrydale Primary, and Chloe Clark Elementary).

Location for Cherrydale students will be Chloe Clark Elementary.

Transition to Kindergarten is FREE for families.

Families must complete the Transition to Kindergarten Application Form.  Space is limited at each school, and completing an application does not guarantee placement.  A screening process will be used to determine if the child qualifies for the program. 

We are currently working with transportation to provide Cherrydale Primary students transportation to Chloe Clark Elementary in September. 

Please stay tuned for updated information in August.

Transition to Kindergarten classes will be taught by a certificated SHSD teacher with paraeducator support.

Once students have completed the Transition to Kindergarten program at the end of the school year, they will be automatically enrolled in kindergarten for the following school year at their home school.

Requirements for Transition to Kindergarten (must meet all):

• For the 2026-27 school year, student must turn 4 years old by August 31, 2026
• Student must not be currently identified for participation in another preschool program (for example, evaluated through the Child Find process for the district's developmental preschool program)
• Student must reside within the Steilacoom Historical School District boundaries

Qualifying Criteria for Transition to Kindergarten (must 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
• English language learner