Kindergarten Transition Program

It’s that time of year again. Orcas Island preschoolers are about to gain entrée into the wonderful world of kindergarten. Orcas transitioning tots will receive an OCRC canvas bag filled to the brim with books, activities, craft and school supplies, child-sized face masks, toys, and dental hygiene products. In addition to these goodies, each child will receive a $50 gift certificate to Darvill’s Bookstore. 

Made possible by a generous annual gift from a fellow Orcas Islander, OCRC partners with local preschools, elementary schools, the Orcas Island Public Library, and Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) to offer an event to ease the transition from preschool to kindergarten and facilitate kindergarten readiness. This is the 13th year OCRC has offered the Kindergarten Transition Program to Orcas families.

“2020 is shaping up to be a very unusual year. We missed bringing all of the teachers and families together for our annual dinner, bus ride and school tour. Kindergarten will look very different for all of our kiddos this fall. We look forward to the day when the class of 2033 can be together again,” shared Erin O’Dell, Executive Director of the OCRC. “I hope that these special kits are helpful for your families. A lot of love went into creating them.”

Rachel Wilson shared her daughter’s enthusiasm upon opening her treasure trove. “Thank you so much for organizing all those awesome bags! It completely made our daughter’s week knowing others were thinking of her enough to put together an entire bag of goodies to get her ready for Kinder! She hasn’t separated from all her practice supplies to prepare for her first year at school! It brought her so much excitement and joy!”

All of our Orcas children transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, including homeschoolers, qualify for this program. Children attending Orcas Island Montessori, Orcas Island Children’s House, or Kaleidoscope may obtain their bag at their school. Families not enrolled in a preschool may contact OCRC directly to obtain a Kindergarten Transition bag for their child.

The Orcas Community Resource Center provides social services to Orcas Islanders in need. The annual Kindergarten Transition event is just one of many programs offered via OCRC. For more information on this and other services, email info@orcascrc.org or call the Resource Center at 360-376-3184.