Transitional kindergarten eyed as option to fill preschool void

When national Head Start budget cuts announced earlier this year spelled the imminent demise of the Little Braves preschool program, La Conner Elementary School Principal Heather ­Fakkema reacted with sadness.

But not panic.

Fakkema was among those who first floated the idea of following up the Little Braves mission with a new educational concept – transitional kindergarten.

Transitional kindergarten, which serves students who are at least 4 years old, has been implemented in Washington state and elsewhere to help eligible children prepare for a successful kindergarten experience the following...