Early Learning Programs at Washougal Schools
Washougal School District hosts a number of early learning programs at many of our schools, some of which are run by district staff, and others which are run by partner organizations.
Each of these programs offers high-quality, research-based instruction and learning activities geared to build the skills students need to start Kindergarten ready for success.
These programs include free, low cost, and tuition based programs. Eligibility for programs may include special circumstances based on family income or other student need. Each program will define their eligibility requirements on their website.
If you need help determining which program might be a great fit for your young learner and family, please contact our Early Learning Coordinator, and they can help you explore the options!
Tracey MacLachlan, Director
Birth to Three program
Washougal School District partners with Educational Service District 112 to provide services to screen students aged birth to 3 to determine if they would benefit from additional support and services through the birth to 3 program. You can learn more about birth to three services by visiting their webpage at https://www.esd112.org/special-services/birth-to-three-early-intervention/ which includes information about how to contact program staff and create a referral.
Community Education Preschool
Washougal School District offers tuition based preschool programs for three and four year olds at each of our neighborhood elementary schools. You can learn more about our preschool programs by visiting our preschool webpage https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/preschool-programs/
Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is open through June.
Unfortunately, we will not be offering the Community Education Preschool for the 2024-2025 school year. Here are additional early learning options that may be a good fit for your child.
- Families of students who will turn four before September 1, are encouraged to consider applying for our Transition to Kindergarten (TK) program. TK provides free, full-day learning activities that prepare students for a great start to Kindergarten, with teacher-led curriculum. Visit our Transition to Kindergarten page for more information, and to apply for this free program.
- Families of students who will be five before September 1 are invited to enroll in Kindergarten! Contact your school’s office to let them know if you’d like your student enrolled in Kindergarten.
- Families of students who will be three years old can explore the Head Start program, located at Hathaway Elementary, to see if they qualify. Visit the EOCF website to learn more about the Head Start program.
- Families of three- and four-year-old students may also be interested in the 1-2-3 Grow and Learn Program.
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.
The Developmental Preschool program supports students with a half day of learning, four days a week. If you have concerns with your child’s development, sign up for a Child Find Screening appointment by calling 360-954-3831.
Leslie DeShazer
Washougal School District
Head Start / Early Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) at Hathaway
The Head Start/EOCF program invests in young learners to provide preschool programs for young learners through a funding partnership with the Office of Head Start, based on federal poverty guidelines. Visit https://eocfwa.org/ to learn more about these programs.
Transitional Kindergarten
Washougal School District provides Transitional Kindergarten, also known as TK, as a no-cost early learning program, primarily for four-year-olds that is designed to help close the opportunity gap for students entering Kindergarten. TK is available for students who have a demonstrated need, or when the family cannot afford access to a community program. The TK program provides a high quality learning environment geared to help students build the skills they need to have a great start to Kindergarten. Students must be four years old by August 31st to participate.
