The move from preschool to kindergarten can be a difficult experience for children. New people and surroundings along with different rules and expectations can make the first days of school stressful instead of exciting and fun.

Getting School Ready Teams, a program developed by The Washington Alliance for Better Schools, SOAR and United Way of King County, help pave the way for preschoolers to enter kindergarten as smoothly as possible.

Getting School Ready Teams link schools, families, child care providers, early childhood educators and community-based partners long before children enter the kindergarten classroom. These connections create a continuity of experience that eases the transition into school for young children and their families.

Since the program launched in 2006, 35 King County elementary schools from 10 school districts have connected with more than 10,000 parents and 4,000 child care providers with the help of transition teams.

United Way of King County wants all children in our community to start out on the right foot. By supporting children and their families during the early years, we know we can positively affect the rest of their lives.

If you’re interested in learning more about Getting School Ready Teams, please contact Isidro Rodriguez at irodriguez@uwkc.org.