COUPEVILLE: Law change adds challenges to kindergarten program

Marina Blatt reports from the Coupeville School District for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.

A new state law creates big changes for little learners in Coupeville.

The passage of House Bill 1550 is making it more complicated for Coupeville Elementary School to find kids who qualify for its Transition to Kindergarten program, but Principal Erica McColl is determined to keep attendance rates up.

The free Transition to Kindergarten program that initially launched May 2024 helps children who need additional preparation before entering kindergarten. Participants include kids with special needs or who are learning English. Its zero-cost policy also helps families struggling with the financial barrier of preschool.

This upcoming school year, there will be updated rules on who can qualify for the Transition to Kindergarten, in compliance with regulations from recent House Bill 1550, McColl said.

Ed. Note: The bill to which this article refers is not clear. HB1550, in the 2023-24 session created the Transition to Kindergarten program; in context, it does not make sense that this could be the bill referenced. HB1550 in the 2025-26 session does not address the Transition to Kindergarten program. McColl may be referring to SB5769, passed this year, which does make changes to the program. In the final votes on SB5769, Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) voted Yea, Rep. Clyde Shavers (D-Clinton) voted Nay, and Sen. Ron Muzzall (R-Oak Harbor) voted Yea.