Due to the failure of the Levy, our Transitional Kindergarten programs will be cut for the 23 - 24 school year.

Woodland Public Schools Jump Start Kindergarten

Jump Start Kindergarten is Woodland's transitional kindergarten program
What is Jump Start Kindergarten?

WSD is excited to offer Jump Start Kindergarten to 4-year-old students for the 2023-24 school year. Jump Start Kindergarten (JSK) is a full-day preschool program for four-year-old students. The goal of the JSK program is to get each student ready for a successful Kindergarten year by providing a high-quality early-learning experience. JSK students attend school 5 days a week, receiving instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and social skills from a Woodland teacher who specializes in early childhood education. Students participate in specialist classes with our tech, music, and PE instructors, and attend lunch and recess during the school day. 
 


Who is eligible to enroll in JSK?

Jump Start Kindergarten (JSK) is a program for four-year-old children who do not have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten. Children must turn 4 on or before August 31, 2023 to be eligible for JSK in the 2023-24 school year. In order to enter JSK, students participate in a screening process. They are eligible to enroll in JSK if they are in need of additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year.
 


How do I enroll my student in JSK for the 2023-24 school year?

The first step is to complete this form to schedule a JSK screening for your student. The JSK screening takes about 30 minutes. The screening assesses your child’s level of development in the areas of communication, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, problem-solving, and social skills. You will also be asked to give input about your child’s development. After the screening assessment, eligible students will be invited to enroll in JSK.
 


Is there a cost for JSK?

No, the JSK program is free to all eligible students. Jump Start Kindergarten students are categorized and funded as full-time students by the State of Washington, just like our K-12 students. This enables us to offer this program at no cost to Woodland families.
 


How is JSK different from regular kindergarten?

Students are eligible for kindergarten when and if they are five years of age by August 31. JSK programs are intended for children not yet five by August 31 who have been deemed in need of additional preparation in order to be successful in kindergarten the following year. In most cases, JSK students will continue into regular kindergarten the following year, however, there may be instances when a JSK student is promoted to first grade instead.

 


What does the day look like for a student enrolled in JSK?

JSK students attend school on the same schedule as other students. The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. On Mondays, school begins at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. JSK students and their families participate in meetings with the teacher at the start of the school year. JSK parent meetings for the 2023-24 school year will be held in August/September 2023.  The JSK program is focused on learning experiences that help students develop initial skills in the academic areas of reading, m mathematics, and writing; develop a variety of communication skills; provide experiences in science, social studies, arts and health and physical education; acquire large and small motor skills; acquire 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.
 


Is busing available for my JSK student?

Yes. JSK students living in NFES or CES boundaries can ride the school bus to and from their neighborhood school.
 


Click here to apply to participate in Jump Start Kindergarten!