Bill > HB2282

This bill renames and codifies the "transition to kindergarten program" to help children needing extra preparation succeed in kindergarten, clarifying it's separate from the state's basic education funding. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will administer the program, setting standards for eligibility, enrollment, and operation by school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools. Key requirements include prioritizing children from low-income families or those most in need, administering assessments like the Washington kindergarten inventory of developing skills, assigning statewide student identifiers, and conducting local needs assessments before starting or expanding programs. Schools must follow OSPI guidelines on facility readiness, curriculum, and professional development, and cannot charge tuition for state-funded eligible children, nor exclude children solely due to a disability. The bill also outlines funding mechanisms based on student enrollment and specifies funding priorities for programs that operated in previous years and for new programs that notify OSPI of their intent to implement by a certain date. Charter schools are permitted to operate these programs.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2282&Year=2025&Initiative=false