The Hoquiam School District offers early learning programs based on individual needs of students. We strive to use asset-based and inclusive practices that increase equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities within the district for Hoquiam resident students. We offer a developmental preschool, ECEAP preschool, and Transitional Kindergarten and serve students ranging from age 3 to 5 years old. To be eligible for preschool, a student must not be over the age of 4 years old by August 31st. 

Developmental Preschool

Early childhood and support services are available for families whose child qualifies, based on a documented delay in their development. Services range from developmental screening and evaluation, to hearing screenings and an infant home-based program as well as a combination of center and home based services. The Developmental Preschool and ECEAP are a blended program, so they are enrolled in the class together.

For children under the age of three, please visit South Sound Parent to Parent’s website at https://www.ssp2p.org/early-intervention

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

ECEAP is a free preschool for families that qualify by income level.  Family services are also available through this program. The ECEAP and Developmental Preschool are a blended program, so they are enrolled in the class together.  Families are provided with social and community service support. Transportation school meals, opportunity for parent training as well as child health and developmental screening are also available.

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP, pronounced "e-cap") helps children and families get ready for kindergarten. ECEAP is funded by Washington state and is free to enrolled families. It serves three- and four-year-olds from low income families, or with developmental or environmental risk factors that could interfere with school success.
ECEAP includes preschool education, health services coordination, and family support services. Children who attend learn to manage their feelings, get along with others and follow classroom procedures. They build the beginning skills for reading, math and science. The program works closely with parents to support their children’s health and education and to meet family goals. ECEAP also helps families access medical and dental care and social services.

Compared to similar children who do not attend, children in programs like ECEAP are:

• Healthier when they start kindergarten.

• More likely to graduate from high school and go onto college.

• More likely to be employed and to earn more as an adult.

• Less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school.

• Less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime.

Research shows high-quality programs like ECEAP save states money over the long run by reducing the need for remedial services in schools, social services and criminal justice.

ECEAP participants are served in both 3 year old and 4 year old preschool classrooms in the Hoquiam School District. We participate in the Early Achievers Program.

Transitional Kindergarten 

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a kindergarten program for children, below the age of five, who do not have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten. Additionally, they have been deemed by a school district, through a screening process and/or other instrument(s), to be in need of additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. The child must turn 4 years old by August 31st. 

The following “pillars” describe required elements of Transitional Kindergarten. 

1. Transitional Kindergarten programs meet the requirements of full-day kindergarten established in RCW 28A.150.315, including administration of the WaKIDS whole-child assessment, within the first ten weeks. 

2. Classrooms are staffed by certificated teachers and paraeducators who provide a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences in learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and address the whole child.  It is recommended that teachers have Early Childhood and/or Early Childhood Special Education Endorsements. 

3. Transitional Kindergarten programs are inclusive, socioeconomically diverse, and responsive to the needs of children who qualify for participation. 

4. Programs must be fully integrated into school buildings, with access to transportation, specialists, recess, lunch in the school cafeteria, and all aspects of the school day available to regular kindergarten students. Attention must be given to the developmental capabilities and needs specific to young children in these settings.

Transitional Kindergarten programs work in collaboration with and do not adversely impact enrollment in community-based preschool programs, including Head Start, ECEAP (the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program), tribally-led early learning programs, and those operating in licensed child care centers and licensed family homes. Districts participate in coordinated outreach, referral, and placement to assure best fit and appropriateness of services based on each child and family’s need.

For more information, visit the OSPI website at https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/early-learning-washington-state/transitional-kindergarten

The Hoquiam School District will support families in finding preschool opportunities within the district's preschool program or community preschool programs, prior to placement in Transitional Kindergarten.

Determination of placement in Transitional Kindergarten will be two weeks prior to the start date.

For the 22-23 school year, the tentative start date for transitional Kindergarten will be October 31st, with Family Connection meetings taking place the week of October 24th.