DEL News

August 26, 2008
Kindergarten readiness Web site available for back-to-school preparation

OLYMPIA – More than 72,000 children statewide enrolled in public schools kindergarten classrooms last fall. This year, a new group is ready for this adventure, with new friends, fun activities and lots of learning. But children may also have questions about starting school, and parents may want help ensuring their children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) has created a new kindergarten readiness Web site section for parents at: www.del.wa.gov/development/kindergarten.

“Kindergarten readiness means not just ready kids but also ready parents and families,” said DEL Director Jone Bosworth. “We want to help every child arrive that first day ready and excited to learn. This Web site has very simple tips and reminders for families.”

The Web site includes:

  • Kindergarten readiness tips for families, including suggestions for classroom visits, at-home preparation and simple behaviors to practice with children.
  • Links to health, nutrition and child development information that can help ensure children are healthy and ready for school.
  • Information about DEL’s work with stakeholders to evaluate current kindergarten readiness assessments and report to the Governor and Legislature options for the implementation of a statewide kindergarten entry assessment.

###

The Washington State Department of Early Learning is a Governor’s Cabinet-level state agency created in 2006 to bring heightened visibility and focus to early learning and help all Washington children reach their full potential. DEL oversees the state-funded comprehensive preschool program, child care licensing, and other initiatives and programs to support parents as children’s first and most important teachers. For more information, visit the DEL Web site at www.del.wa.gov.

For more information:

DEL Communications Manager Amy Blondin
360.725.4919 (office)
360.878.0628 (cell)
amy.blondin@del.wa.gov