Enumclaw School District Accepting Applications for Pilot Preschool Program in 2013-14

The Enumclaw School District is launching a pilot preschool program in the upcoming 2013-14 school year at Southwood Elementary School and is now accepting applications.

Student Support Services Director Anne Chambers said nearby districts including Sumner and White River already offer integrated or peer model preschool -- the latter being what Enumclaw will offer.

Peer model is based on effective learning as seen in special education classrooms where students tend to learn more from typically developing peers, she said. Students see the appropriate behaviors and social skills from other students.

Any preschool, in contrast with a less-structured daycare, is good preparation for entrance into kindergarten, Chambers said. This pilot program is similar to other outside preschool programs in that it provides guidance and teaches literacy skills, mathematics and social skills.

Parents or guardians would be responsible for both transportation to/from the school as well as a $200 per month tuition. 

The program aims to keep class size small - to about 12 or 13 students so a lottery drawing will be necessary - and will be taught by a certificated teacher.

In contrast with the district's ECEAP program which is a free program but offered to students/families based on economic need, the peer model preschool is open to all students provided they are four years old by Aug. 31, 2013.

The program would run from Sept. 4, 2013 to June 13, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Visit the district website at www.enumclaw.wednet.edu to download the application. Applications are due May 31, 2013 to be considered for the lottery drawing.

For questions, call 360-802-7125.