State-Funded Full-Day Kindergarten in Washington
State-funded full-day Kindergarten is part of the state’s
constitutionally protected definition of “basic education.”
By school year 2017–18, voluntary full-day Kindergarten is to be fully implemented
throughout Washington state, as outlined in
28A.150.315. Schools with the highest rates of poverty are to be funded
first, and once a school receives funding, the school is eligible in future
school years, regardless of changes in the school's percentage of students
eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.
Funding for School Years 2013–2014 and 2014–2015
On June 30, 2013, Governor Inslee signed the biennial state operating budget that will fund 43.75% of kindergarten students in both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 school years. Schools were notified of the available funding in early July and were asked to notify OSPI if they were able to accept the funds.
Full-day Kindergarten Institute
OSPI and a number of statewide education organizations offered a Full-day Kindergarten Institute. This one-day institute provided practical information in how to design an effective full-day kindergarten program.
Eligibility and Program Elements
Determination of eligibility for state-funded full-day Kindergarten is based on
an individual school’s poverty percentage from the prior school year in October.
Schools must also meet the following program elements:
- At least 1,000 hours of instruction in 180 school days. However, schools may
use up to three days at the beginning of the school year for the WaKIDS “Family
- Curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that assist students in:
- Developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, and writing;
- Developing a variety of communication skills;
- Providing experiences in science, social studies, arts,
health and physical education, and a world language other than
- Acquiring large and small motor skills;
- Acquiring social and emotional skills including successful
participation in learning activities as an individual and as
part of a group; and
- Learning through hands-on experiences.
- Establish learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and
- Demonstrate strong connections and communication with early learning
- Participate in Kindergarten program readiness activities with early learning
providers and parents.
- Administer the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS).
- Provide full-day kindergarten to all students who request it.
Learn how to design a successful full-day kindergarten program.
WEBINAR: State-funded full-day kindergarten and the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS), May 13, 2013
Recording (WMV) | Presentation (PPTX) |
Handouts (PDF) | Q&A (PDF)