I put transmission fluid into the coolant area

You poured into the overflow tank or into the radiator? If you poured it into the overflow tank, remove the tank, wash it out real good with some degreaser and hot water. If you poured it into the radiator, you need to flush the cooling system. Get a bottle of flush from the parts store and follow the directions on it. The transmission fluid will attack all of your rubber coolant hoses and gaskets, and since the thermostat has rubber in it, it may ajm the thermostat.

You will probably need to remove the thermostat during the flush process, make sure to replace it.

the cooling system must be completely cleaned- not just flushed- it may need a new radiator- omg, you really messed up-

It's like that time I put bleach into the fabric softener spot on the washing machine. What a disaster.