Preschool Programs

The Developmental Preschool Program is designed for children ages 3-5 years who are eligible for special education services. This is a Federal and State mandated program that is funded from federal and state dollars. Tahoma School District’s program offers a continuum of program options and services based on eligibility and needs:

Types of Programs/Classrooms:

• Inclusive: 50% of students are special education students; 50% of students are typically-developing children who pay tuition to attend as a peer models. This meets the state requirement for what is noted as a regular early childhood preschool classroom for special education students.
• Integrated: Considered a separate classroom that contains 4 typical developing children/peers who pay tuition to be peer models, and up to 11 special education children. This classroom is capped at 15 students and provides children with disabilities the opportunity to integrate with some typical peers, but in a more structured classroom setting that can provide more individualized assistance to children with special needs.
• Self-Contained: Only special needs eligible children attend, with no typical peers. This classroom is designed to support children with greater needs in a high adult, low child ratio.

In addition to the preschool classroom, children who have been evaluated by the preschool Child Find team can qualify for single service therapy, conducted as stand-alone services.

• Therapy – Receive weekly therapy by a school district Speech/Language Pathologist.
• Occupational Therapy – Receive weekly therapy by an Occupational Therapist.
• Physical Therapy – Receive weekly therapy by a Physical Therapist.

Children who qualify for special education services and are enrolled in the Developmental Program attend class either in the morning or the afternoon session. Typically, there are age requirements for placement in the morning or afternoon programs. They are as follows:

• The morning program is primarily for 3- and young 4-year-olds, and runs from 8:40 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
• The afternoon program is primarily for 4- and young 5-year-olds and runs from 12:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Tahoma School District transportation is provided for special education preschool students who live within the school district’s boundaries.

The Peer Program is designed for for typically-developing children 3-5 years old.

• Children turning 3 years of age by August 31^st of the school year are eligible to attend the morning program (8:40 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.)
• Children turning 4 years of age by August 31^st of the school year are eligible to attend the afternoon program (12:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.)

The Developmental Preschool Program is located at Lake Wilderness Elementary School and follows the District School Calendar (K-8). The program runs Monday – Thursday.

Important Considerations:

• Daycare is not provided.
• Parents must provide their own transportation.
• Children must be potty trained.
• According to the Washington Administrative Code WAC 246-105-030, any child attending school, preschool, or childcare in Washington State is required by law to be fully immunized or have an exemption in place.
• Cost: $350 per month, with a $30 non-refundable registration fee.

Tahoma School District does not provide Birth to 3 services. However, Children’s Therapy Center (CTC) in Kent, WA evaluates children between the ages 0 months – 3 years and, if eligible, provides early intervention services.

For further information please contact CTC Kent office at 253-854-5660 or www.ctckids.org

• Children ages 3–4 years by August 31
• Families living on low income
• Children in Foster Care/Kinship Care/adopted out of Foster Care
• Families receiving TANF or SSI for disability
• Families experiencing homelessness
• Children with disabilities or IEPs

We enroll children based on eligibility factors, family needs, and available openings.

Our ECEAP program is located at:
Lake Wilderness Elementary School
24216 Witte Rd. SE, Maple Valley, WA  98038

Our program is a part-day PM class that runs from 12:20 to 3:20 p.m., Monday–Thursday

Transportation can be provided if you reside within Tahoma School District boundaries.

To apply for ECEAP Preschool, please print and return a completed application (listed in the "Resources" column) to Lake Wilderness Elementary, or email the form to our Family Support Specialist for the program, along with the documents listed below. If you are unable to print, you may also pick up and return a paper application. Please allow a few days for your application to be processed.

In addition to the completed application (one per child), you will need to submit the following:

• Proof of income (12 months or previous calendar year)
• Proof of child's birthdate
• Proof of guardianship
• Immunization record (CIS)

Please contact us if you need help completing the application or if you do not have all of the requested documents. A list of acceptable documents can be found on the instruction page of the application.

NOTE: Please submit only ONE application per child. Applications are listed in the "Resources" column for the 2024-25 school year. For interest in enrolling in the 2024-25 school year, please contact the Family Support Specialist.