Early Learning
Doors to Early Learning in White River School District
In the White River School District, our early learning programs include half-day preschool, full-day transition to kindergarten, and full-day kindergarten. Program qualifications vary based on age and need.
Preschool
Half-day preschool classrooms provide students with the opportunity to learn and grow in inclusive classroom spaces prior to enrollment in Kindergarten. Our students receive high-quality, rigorous early learning experiences while engaging with same-age peers with all different abilities. This is a locally funded program and space is limited.
Half-day preschool classrooms provide students with the opportunity to learn and grow in inclusive classroom spaces prior to enrollment in Kindergarten. Our students receive high-quality, rigorous early learning experiences while engaging with same-age peers with all different abilities. This is a locally funded program and space is limited.
- Preschool students attend half a day sessions, four days a week, Tuesday-Friday.
- Students 4 years old on August 31st and will turn 5 years old on or after September 1st
- Students ages 3-5 who receive special education services.
- Hosted at White River Early Learning Center
- No mid-day childcare (Kids Club) available during the school day
- No Out of District Waivers Accepted
Transition to Kindergarten
Transition to Kindergarten (TtK) is a full-day early learning program for children who do not have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten. Students are identified through a screening process. The program is designed to prepare students to be successful in kindergarten the following year. Transition to Kindergarten (TtK) will replace Early Kindergarten (EK) starting in Fall 2024. Space is limited.
- Transition to Kindergarten students attend Monday - Friday for the full day.
- Students 4 years old on August 31st and will turn 5 years old on or after September 1st.
- Hosted at White River Early Learning Center
- Eligibility for TtK is determined by the following factors (per state guidelines):
- A child who has been determined by the local education agency to benefit from additional preparation for kindergarten through a screening process and tool.
- A child who is at least four years old by August 31st of the school year in which they enroll in a transition to kindergarten program.
- Priority to children most in need of additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten, as demonstrated through a screening process and tool.
- Priority to children with the lowest family income not otherwise participating in another local program.
- No Out of District Waivers Accepted
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a full-day program hosted at both the Early Learning Center and Elk Ridge Elementary. Our students receive high-quality rigorous academic, social and behavioral instruction. Our teachers provide a nurturing learning environment where children learn by engaging in active, hands-on activities. Teachers encourage curiosity and creativity and students can be seen singing, moving, creating and playing.
- Kindergarten students attend Monday - Friday for the full day.
- Students who turns 5 prior to September 1st
- Hosted at White River Early Learning Center and Elk Ridge Elementary
Early Learning Center: Home of the Bumblebees!
Janel Ross | Principal
Gloria Gelmini | Office Manager
Phone Number: (360) 829-5830
27515 120th St E Buckley, WA 98321
Who Do We Serve?
- Kindergarten students from the Foothills service area
- Kindergarten students from the Mt. Meadow service area
- Kindergarten students from the Wilkeson service area
- Preschool and Transition to Kindergarten students from the entire district
For more information visit our White River Early Learning Center Website
Elk Ridge Elementary: Home of the Rangers!
Nina Markey | Principal
Lorraine Panek | Office ManagerPhone Number: (360) 829-3354
340 River Ave North Buckley, WA 98321
Who Do We Serve?
- Kindergarten students from the Elk Ridge service area
For more information visit our Elk Ridge Elementary Website
How Can You Help Prepare Your Child?
- Play! Playing allows sharing, creativity, conversation and memory making.
- Read to your child every day. Have books available. Visit the library. Reading should be a part of your everyday routine.
- Talk with your child. Be specific about colors, shapes, numbers, letters, words that are all around us. Share with your child what they are doing. The more talk, the more vocabulary they will have! Discuss all the fun they are going to have at school!
- Set good morning and bedtime routines. 4, 5, & 6 year olds should get between 10-12 hours of sleep a night.
- Develop self-help skills by encouraging independence in everyday activities like: using the restroom, opening lunch containers, tying shoes, putting on a coat, zipping, buttoning pants, washing hands, etc.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning."-Mr. Rogers