Transition to Kindergarten

Happy clipart kids holding balloon and flag that says Kindergarten

Beginning Kindergarten

If your child turns 5 years old on or before September 1st, they will begin kindergarten in the fall.

Connect to Kindergarten

The David Douglas School District holds a Connect to Kindergarten event every spring for all families with children starting Kindergarten in the fall. This is an opportunity for families to see their school, meet the principal and kindergarten teachers. They’ll also learn about registration, riding the school bus and how to prepare for the start of kindergarten.

2023 Event

Connect to Kindergarten for students starting school in the fall of 2023 will be held at all elementary schools in David Douglas on Thursday, April 20th, from 6:00-7:00 pm. We look forward to seeing everyone at this event!

EKT/Jumpstart to Kindergarten

For two weeks in the summer, DDSD hosts an Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) program, also known as Jumpstart to Kindergarten. This program is for our DDSD students who will begin kindergarten in the fall (2023). 
Students attend (1) two week session. Space is limited. Priority is given to the following, but all families are encouraged to apply:

  • Children experiencing poverty/homelessness
  • Multilingual students
  • Migrant Children
  • Children of color, including Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino/a/x, Pacific Islander communities with disproportionate impact of pandemic in Oregon
  • Children receiving early childhood special education services or who have been referred for testing
  • Children in Foster Care
  • Children who have not previously attended preschool

The session dates will be: Session #1: July 10th-20th (Monday-Thursday mornings)Session #2: July 24th-August 3rd (Monday-Thursday mornings)

In order to register for EKT, you need to have registered for Kindergarten first. Registration for Kindergarten is now open.

2023-24 Kindergarten Registration  is now open! Follow this link to register

Registration for DDSD’s EKT program is now open and will close on June 9th.  If you need assistance with registration or need to complete a hard copy of the application packet, please visit your neighborhood elementary school and we will be happy to help you.

2023-24 Early Kindergarten Transition Registration  is now open! Follow this link to register for EKT.


Preschool graduates lined up in caps and gowns waiting for ceremony

Identify Your Neighborhood School

If you are unsure which elementary school your home address is affiliated with, you can identify your neighborhood school here or call 503-256-6526.