Beverly Park Elementary School kindergarten teacher Richard Dunn says he’s never had such a great start to the school year … and the school year doesn’t officially start until next week.

Dunn and four other kindergarten teachers at the White Center-area school are at school this week with many of the school’s 76 incoming kindergartners as part of the new Kindergarten Transition Program. For three hours each morning, kindergartners are getting to know each other, their teacher and what to expect at school, such as how to behave in circle time, where to find the bathroom and how to get lunch. During this week, teachers also visit each family’s home to learn more about their students’ families, set share goals, and talk about school expectations and ways for families to support learning at home.

Dunn says it’s great to have this time with the kindergartners before the big kids show up next week and that it will make it so much easier to jump into the school year. Dunn advocated for the program to come to his school after hearing how successful it has been in Yakima schools.

Beverly Park’s Kindergarten Transition Program is supported by the White Center Early Learning Initiative‘s (WCELI), one of two Thrive by Five Washington Demonstration Communities.

The Kindergarten Transition Program first started three years ago in four East Yakima schools as part of the work of Ready by Five, the other Thrive Demonstration Community. Results from the 2008 pilot showed the power of an early start for kindergartners.

• Teachers said they could start teaching on Day 1 because children already knew expectations, routines and procedures.
• 99% of parents reported that they felt comfortable talking to their child’s teacher; 98% reported that their child liked school.
• Principals reported that the incidents of children crying or refusing to comply on the first day of school was markedly reduced and, in most cases, eliminated.

All elementary schools in  the Yakima School District offer the Kindergarten Transition Program. Participating teachers say it gives them, their students and their students’ families a much better start to the school year.

“This is my 14th year beginning the year with kindergarten students and NEVER have I had more of a successful start to my year,” said Leah Meiser at Yakima’s Garfield Elementary. “All but 5 know how to write their name mostly without looking. (Usually only 5 can scribble the first couple letters and the rest circles). Most know how to hold a pencil. Most know how to play school. The adjustment with these kids the two weeks before school starts is amazing. Just having these students learn procedures and take ownership of their own learning without older brothers and sisters is huge! Before this program, the kids would cry, bang their heads on doors, want to have their brother or sister with them all day long. I had one crier this year; it lasted as long as it took [the mom] to walk out the door. From then on, he hasn't cried. This time was meant to bond and build relationships and we did. I have never had a better start to my year and I have to say thank you.”