In Washington State, the only criterion for readiness is age. Children are ready for kindergarten if they turn five years old on or before August 31st of the upcoming school year. Young children who have had access to high quality early learning opportunities, safe, supportive and nurturing environments, as well as access to medical and dental services typically enter kindergarten with the foundational social and academic skills necessary to be successful in school.

Washington State has developed a set of Early Learning and Development Benchmarks that provide information about what young children, ages birth to kindergarten entry, should know and be able to do at each stage of development, as well as ideas for how parents and caregivers can support emerging skills.

Kindergarten Assessment Process Planning Report
How Will I Know If My Child is Ready - English version
How Will I Know If My Child is Ready - Spanish version
How Will I Know If My Child is Ready - Russian version

Last updated on August 6, 2010 by ESD 112