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Bill

HB 2012

Funding the transition to kindergarten program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 6 co-sponsors

HB 2012 appropriates state funding to support kindergarten transition programs helping children move from preschool to elementary school through coordinated assessments and parent engagement.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.
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Bill Summary · HB 2012

Legislative bill overview

HB 2012 allocates state funding to support programs that facilitate children's transition from preschool or home settings into kindergarten. The bill aims to provide resources for developmental assessments, parent engagement initiatives, and coordination between early learning providers and K-12 schools to ensure smoother educational transitions for young learners.

Why is this important

Research demonstrates that effective kindergarten transitions improve academic outcomes, reduce behavioral problems, and increase school engagement in early elementary years. This funding directly addresses a critical gap where many districts lack resources for transition programming, potentially reducing achievement disparities among disadvantaged students who benefit most from coordinated entry supports.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and state budget priorities: Determining whether new funding is appropriated or reallocated from existing education budgets, and competing against other education funding needs during constrained fiscal periods
  • Implementation standards and local autonomy: Disagreement over whether the state should mandate specific transition program components or allow districts flexibility in how they spend funds based on local needs
  • Equity of distribution: Questions about whether funding formulas adequately serve rural districts, high-poverty schools, and regions with significant early learning infrastructure gaps versus well-resourced urban areas

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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