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Early Childhood Services at Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools offers various early childhood services to support families with young children. These services include preschool programs, early childhood special education, and partnerships with Head Start and the Seattle Preschool Program.
Early childhood education can give children a strong foundation for their academic and social-emotional development and future success. This page provides an overview of the early childhood services available at Seattle Public Schools and how families can access these programs.
Early Childhood Education
Seattle Public Schools offers a range of early childhood education programs that provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children from birth to age five. These programs include:
Early Head Start
A federally funded program that provides comprehensive child development services to low-income families with children under age three, as well as pregnant women. The program aims to promote healthy prenatal outcomes, enhance the development of very young children, and promote healthy family functioning.
Early Head Start provides a range of services, including home visits, center-based care, and parent-child activities. The program is free to eligible families, and services are provided by trained professionals who work with families to support their children's development and help them achieve their goals.
Seattle Preschool
Program
The Seattle Preschool Program is a comprehensive program designed to prepare children ages 3 and 4 for success in kindergarten and beyond. The program is available at no cost to eligible families who live within the city limits of Seattle. Eligible children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31st of the school year, and must meet specific income, residency, and other eligibility criteria. The program provides high-quality, play-based learning experiences to help children develop social-emotional skills, literacy, math, and other foundational skills necessary for success in school. Families interested in the Seattle Preschool Program can apply online or by mail during the open enrollment period. For specific information about the Seattle Preschool Program, visit https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/early-learning/preschool/seattle-preschool-program/
Head Start
A federally funded program that provides comprehensive child development services to low-income families with children ages three to five. In Seattle Public Schools, Head Start services are offered through partnerships with community-based organizations.
The program serves children ages three to five who meet income eligibility requirements and provides services such as early learning, health screenings, nutrition education, and family support services. Families interested in enrolling their children in Head Start can apply directly through their local Head Start agency or by contacting the Seattle Public Schools Early Learning Department for assistance.
These early childhood education programs are designed to support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They also provide support and resources for families to help them support their child's learning and development at home.
Early Childhood Special Education
Seattle Public Schools provides early childhood special education services to support young children with disabilities and their families. These services are provided to children from birth to age five and include:
Screening and evaluation: Seattle Public Schools provides free screenings to children ages 3-5 who may have a disability and may be in need of special education services. These screenings assess the child's development in areas such as language, motor skills, and behavior. If a child is found to be eligible for special education services, an evaluation will be conducted to determine the child's needs and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): An IEP is a written plan that outlines the special education and related services that a child with a disability will receive. The plan is developed by a team that includes the child's parents or guardians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child's education. The IEP is tailored to the unique needs of the child and includes specific goals and objectives for the child to achieve.
Family support and resources: Seattle Public Schools recognizes that families play a crucial role in their child's learning and development. The district provides a variety of resources and supports to help families support their child's education at home. These resources include parenting classes, workshops on early childhood development, and access to community resources such as healthcare and mental health services. Additionally, the district's early learning program provides opportunities for families to be involved in their child's education and connect with other families in their community. For more on this, please visit, https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/early-learning/preschool/early-childhood-special-education/.
Early Learning Resources
Seattle Public Schools offers a range of resources to support families with young children. These resources include parenting classes, early childhood education and care providers, and community resources. Here are some resources available:
1. Parenting Classes: Seattle Public Schools offers parenting classes that are free and open to all families with children from birth to age five. These classes cover a range of topics, including child development, positive discipline, and early literacy. For more information and to register for classes, visit https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/early-learning/parenting-classes/.
2. Early Childhood Education and Care Providers: The district partners with a number of early childhood education and care providers to ensure that families have access to high-quality early learning opportunities. These providers include Seattle Preschool Program, Head Start, and Early Head Start. To learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements, visit https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/early-learning/preschool/.
3. Community Resources: Seattle Public Schools works with a variety of community organizations to provide resources and support to families with young children. These organizations offer services such as healthcare, housing assistance, and mental health counseling. To learn more about these resources and how to access them, visit https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/early-learning/community-resources/.
Accessing these resources is easy. Simply visit the relevant websites for more information, or contact the Early Learning department at Seattle Public Schools at (206) 252-0978 or earlylearning@seattleschools.org for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for Seattle Public Schools' preschool programs?
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Eligibility criteria vary depending on the program, but generally, children must be between the ages of 3 and 5 and reside within the Seattle city limits.
2. What are the application requirements for Seattle Public Schools' preschool programs?
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Application requirements vary depending on the program, but generally, parents must provide proof of residency, income verification, and their child's birth certificate.
3. Are these services only for low-income families?
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No, Seattle Public Schools' early childhood services are available to all families with young children, regardless of income.
4. What is screening and evaluation, and how does it relate to early childhood special education?
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Screening and evaluation is a process to identify children who may have a disability and may be in need of special education services. It is an important first step in the process of determining if a child is eligible for early childhood special education services.
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5. What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and how is it developed?
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An IEP is a plan developed for each child in early childhood special education that outlines their specific needs and the services they will receive to support their learning and development. The plan is developed through a collaborative process involving parents, teachers, and other professionals.
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6. Do parents have to pay for these services?
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Seattle Public Schools' early childhood services are offered at no cost to eligible families. Some programs, such as the Seattle Preschool Program, may have income eligibility requirements. Families are encouraged to check with each individual program for specific eligibility criteria.