Skamania – Early Learning Program Options Fall 2023

Do you have a child who will be 3 by August 31? Skamania School has FREE early learning and preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5, with part-day and full-day options depending on their age.

Questions? Contact Head Teacher Katie Chavarria, kchavarria@skamania.k12.wa.us or 509-427-8239

ECEAP/Head Start

Children who attend ECEAP and Head Start learn to manage their feelings, get along with others and follow classroom procedures. They build the beginning skills for reading, math and science. The programs work closely with parents to support their children’s health and education and to meet family goals. They help families access medical and dental care and social services.

Children are eligible for ECEAP and Head Start based on their age (must be 3 by August 31) and family income. Up to 10% of ECEAP and Head Start slots can be filled by children above the income requirement who have multiple support needs, including:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, foster care or incarcerated parents.
• Developmental factors such as developmental delay or other special needs.
• In addition, children with disabilities who qualify for special education services and/or previously participated in certain birth to age three programs are also eligible for ECEAP.

Transitional Kindergarten

Children learn while they play

TK is a kindergarten program for children who turn 4 on or before August 31, who are in need of additional preparation before starting school. TK programs are provided at no cost to families, are staffed by certificated educators and is fully integrated in our school with access to meals, transportation and recess. The program is currently being offered by 101 school districts across Washington and is serving over 3,000 students.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal says, “The jump start that transitional kindergarten provides for our students makes a real difference, and it’s closing opportunity gaps.”

In an analysis of WaKIDS data from fall 2022, OSPI found that students who participated in TK outperformed their peers in all six domains. The gains were even more pronounced for some student groups.

For more information, read OSPI’s February 2023 report on Transitional Kindergarten programs.

Kindergarten (K)

Kindergarten is for students who turn 5 by August 31. The focus of this program is academic preparation that fosters social, emotional and cognitive development.

Individual, small group and large group settings will be utilized to facilitate learning. Children are encouraged to learn by doing, experiencing, observing, questioning, imitating, examining and exploring. A relaxed and informal environment in which a rich variety of activities are provided will allow for individual differences. A positive self-concept will be stressed as children learn to be successful.