Students in TK engage in purposeful play in foreground while students listen to a book being read aloud in the background. Photo courtesy Washougal School District

Families of children aged four or younger as of September 1, 2024 are invited to apply

Washougal School District early learning program applications are open now for the 2024-25 school year. Families of children aged four or younger as of September 1, 2024 are invited to apply to Transition to Kindergarten, Developmental Preschool, the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP), or Birth to Three programs in Washougal School District. These programs are free to families and provide high-quality learning experiences that will prepare early learners for a great start to kindergarten.

Four-year-old student listens to a book read aloud by a staff member in Transition to Kindergarten class. Photo courtesy Washougal School District

Transition to Kindergarten (TK)

TK is a free kindergarten readiness program for four-year-old students. TK students attend five full days of learning per week beginning in September. The TK curriculum is built around purposeful play, active learning, and low student to staff ratios. Students benefit from art, music, library, PE, and more in a fun, hands-on learning environment. This early learning opportunity is in high demand and seats are filling quickly. Families are encouraged to apply now for the 2024-25 school year.

Students and staff engage in purposeful play in Transition to Kindergarten class. Photo courtesy Washougal School District

Transportation is provided for students outside of the walking boundary of their local school. Students can also participate in the school meal program as well as recess and other school opportunities. Programs are currently located at Hathaway, Cape Horn-Skye, and Columbia River Gorge elementary schools. Based on family interest in the program at every elementary school, the district is also hoping to add a TK classroom at Gause Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Interested families can fill out an interest survey on the district’s website.

Developmental Preschool

Washougal’s Developmental Preschool is a free early learning program for students with identified developmental delays. The program is for students who qualify for additional support in the areas of cognitive development, motor skills, social skills, behavior, speech, language, hearing, or vision needs. The program is tailored to the needs of each student, working with specialists and the students’ family to make decisions about ways to best serve the child. Transportation is provided for students in the developmental preschool. The Developmental Preschool program is located at Hathaway Elementary School.

Children in Transition to Kindergarten, a free kindergarten readiness program for four-year-old students. Photo courtesy Washougal School District

The Developmental Preschool program supports students with a half day of learning, four days per week. If you have concerns with your child’s development, sign up for a Child Find Screening appointment by calling (360) 954-3831.

Birth to Three Program

Washougal School District partners with Educational Service District 112 to screen students aged three and younger to determine if they would benefit from additional support and services through the Birth to Three program. You can learn more about the program by visiting the ESD 112 webpage, which includes information about how to contact program staff and create a referral.

EOCF ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) at Hathaway

Early Opportunities for Children & Families and Early Childhood Education Assistance Program The EOCF ECEAP Preschool program at Hathaway invests in young learners by providing a free comprehensive school day preschool model to eligible families serving three- and four-year-old students. The program operates from September to mid-June. Visit the EOCF page or call (360) 567-2720 to learn more about these programs and how your child and family may qualify based on current enrollment factors.

Information provided by Washougal School District.

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