Why an inclusive program?

Research shows that all children, whether they have a disability or not, benefit from an inclusive environment.

All students in Okanogan School District's Early Learning Programs have the unique opportunity to gain an appreciation for and an awareness of people who are different from themselves. This fosters compassion, empathy, and kindness - all qualities that extend beyond the classroom and beyond preschool. Students learn to develop friendships while learning the academic skills they need in order to successfully enter kindergarten.

Okanogan School District Early Learning and The Pyramid Model

The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate approach that focuses on social-emotional development and well-being. The foundation of the Pyramid Model is nurturing and supportive relationships. Research shows that students’ social-emotional skills are the #1 indicator of future learning success. This research is what drives the preschool program at Okanogan School District.

Our priority is to teach, practice, and develop social-emotional skills and communication while simultaneously embedding academics. All teachers receive extensive training in Pyramid Model practices. Your child will learn friendship skills, problem solving strategies and increase their emotional literacy through play-based learning, songs, and developmentally-appropriate, hands-on activities.

For more information about The Pyramid Model, please click Pyramid Model Overview

Will my child have a quality preschool experience? 

YES! At Okanogan School District's Early Learning Programs, in addition to social emotional skill development, teachers provide lessons in pre-literacy, math, science, writing, art and music. Instruction is balanced between individual, small group, and large group instruction and everything is taught with the approach of nurturing and supportive relationships.

Each teacher in Okanogan's Transition to Kindergarten program is trained to adapt lessons and activities for students who are ahead in their learning and those who need extra help. Our teachers understand that students have different backgrounds, experiences and abilities. They celebrate diversity and leverage evidence-based practices in order to support all students.

Kindergarten Readiness Skills

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Parents often wonder what a typical child should know by the time he or she starts kindergarten. There are readiness skills called Kindergarten Targets. Children who are taught these skills before they start kindergarten are better prepared to succeed in school.

Language and Literacy

• Speaks in complete sentences

• Says the sounds of 12-15 letters, including those in the child’s first name

• Prints first name using uppercase and lowercase letters

• Identifies the beginning sounds of words

• Sings or chants ABC and number songs while pointing to letters and numbers

 Math

• Counts in order from 1 to 20

• Matches number shapes from 1 to 12

• Knows 12 colors: red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, brown, black, white, grey, pink, and light blue

• Names and sorts objects by color, shape, and size

• Understands concepts such as greater than, less than, and equal to

 Social and Emotional

• Settles into new groups or situations with minimal stress and plays cooperatively with two or more peers

• Concentrates on a task for at least five minutes

 • Follows simple directions

• Shows kindness and concern for others

Reading aloud 20 minutes a day helps a child master these skills.

 

Q&A

 

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is provided for students living within the boundaries of Okanogan School District.

 

Where is it located?

Virginia Grainger Elementary, O’Keefe Building

 

How many kids can participate?

The total class size at each school is limited to 18 students.

 

What is the schedule?

The program will follow the daily elementary kindergarten schedule.

 

When will students start Kindergarten?  First grade?

Students who attend TK will still complete a full year of kindergarten during the 2026-2027 school year and start first grade in fall 2027.

 

Can children who are eligible for kindergarten due to age, enroll in Transition to Kindergarten instead? 

No, children who are age 5 by August 31 are eligible to enter kindergarten.

 

Are lunch and breakfast available for students? 

Yes, students will have access to both breakfast and lunch services.

 

What does a typical day look like in a Transition to Kindergarten classroom? 

You will see children learning through purposeful play. They will be immersed in opportunities to build their social emotional skills, language development and communication through play, hands on activities and small group instruction. Students will go to PE, Music and Art just like they will in traditional kindergarten. Our students will be engaging in early reading, writing, and math activities that are delivered through multi-sensory experiences, role-playing, structured play and small group learning.

 

Who is eligible?

Students who meet at least one of the following criteria will be eligible:

• Show a need in at least one of the following areas:
  • 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 price meals.
• Qualify for multilingual education

 

What is the application process?

• To apply, complete the application by April 30th at 4 p.m.

• After completing the form, you will receive a phone call to schedule a meeting.
• Schedule a time to attend a 30 minute screening appointment. 
• Get notified of placement no later than June 13, 2025.
• Attend WAKIDS assessment in the fall, 8/27 or 8/28.
• Child begins Transition to Kindergarten on August 29, 2025.

 

What will the screening be like?

After attending a required parent session, a member of the early learning team will contact parents to make an appointment for a 30-minute screening that will look at the child’s:

• Developing literacy and math skills
• Motor skills
• Social-emotional development
• Language development