How can local education agencies (LEAs), elementary schools, and teachers make sure the kindergarten year deepens and builds on children's previous learning? What are the best ways to keep children and families connected to school and engaged in learning? And how can LEAs, schools, and classroom teachers provide the smoothest transition possible into kindergarten? These are questions that states, LEAs, and public elementary schools must address or risk lost time, learning, and engagement. There are a number of federal programs that can help support state and local efforts to improve transitions for new kindergarteners and their families, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Head Start Act, and the Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG). Yet, in each of these programs, improved transitions for children are just one of many goals embedded in the program are competing for funding and time at the state and local level. To help state and local leaders focus their efforts to support smooth transitions, especially into kindergarten, this report discusses why transitions matter, highlight effective practices, explain funding streams that can support transition planning and activities, and share state and local examples.