Battle Ground Preschool will be modeled after the popular Prairie Preschool program on the campus of Prairie High School

A new preschool option is coming to Battle Ground High School starting next September, and interested parents are invited to check it out during an upcoming open house. The open house will be held on Tuesday, June 14 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in room A5 at the high school, accessible from Stadium Way on the northwest side of the campus.

Battle Ground Preschool will be modeled after the popular Prairie Preschool program on the campus of Prairie High School. High school students studying child development work with preschoolers, including children with disabilities, under the supervision of trained educators.

Christina Wood is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Battle Ground High School and is working to set up the Battle Ground Preschool program. “The preschoolers get the benefit of some really personalized relationships and instruction,” Wood said, “and the high school students learn a lot through the experience and the curriculum as well. It’s really just a wonderful program, and we’re excited to bring it here.”

Child Development I and II is part of the Family and Consumer Sciences pathway offered through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Through the Child Development pathway, students can earn both college credit and their initial STARS childcare industry certification. Working with preschool kids is considered the lab portion of their classwork and provides students with valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education.

Battle Ground Preschool will initially have space for up to 20 children, with classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Afternoon classes are planned for the future, depending on community interest. Registration costs $60 and tuition is $165 per month. Families who qualify for free and reduced meals can apply to pay a reduced monthly rate.

Preschool students must have a current immunization record on file before attending. They must also be potty trained (no pull-ups) and self-sufficient in the bathroom. High school students will not accompany children into restrooms. Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their children from preschool.

Learn more about early childhood education available through Battle Ground Public Schools and our partners in Community Education by visiting the district website.

Information provided by Battle Ground School District.