Verified state guidance
Washington Preschool & TK
In Washington, children must turn 5 on or before August 31 to enter kindergarten. Washington offers Transition to Kindergarten (TK), an optional bridge program for age-eligible children who need extra preparation before kindergarten. The state funds Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), a pre-K program for income-eligible three- and four-year-olds. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.
Transitional Kindergarten in Washington
Transition to Kindergarten (TK)
Key early-childhood facts for Washington
- Kindergarten entrance cutoff
- Children must turn 5 on or before August 31 to start kindergarten.
- Minimum age
- 4 years old
- Enrollment age
- at least 4 years old by August 31
- Eligibility
- Children must be at least 4 years old by August 31 and be identified through a screening process as needing additional preparation to be successful kindergarten students the following school year. No income requirement. Districts may offer TK but are not required to do so.
- Start date
- Start of the school year preceding kindergarten (children at least 4 by Aug 31)
- Free pre-K options
- Free state-funded pre-K is available to income-eligible three- and four-year-olds through Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
- Notes
- Statewide, legislatively established and authorized program administered by OSPI (distinct from ECEAP, which is administered by DCYF). Codified as 'Transition to Kindergarten' (formerly Transitional Kindergarten); requirements set in WAC Chapter 392-425. NIEER counts TK as a separate state pre-K program (met 6 of 10 benchmarks vs ECEAP's 9 of 10).
Head Start and early learning resources
Find local Head Start and state pre-K programs: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator
State early education website
Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.