Application and enrollment information, and overview of the preschool programs offered in LWSD

Lake Washington preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. In some circumstances, 3-year-olds are also eligible.

Lake Washington offers two preschool programs:

Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive early childhood program offering services for the entire family and focuses on school readiness. Families whose income meets the federal poverty guidelines qualify for the Head Start component of the preschool program. The program is designed for children ages 3 and 4, with priority for enrollment given to 4-year-olds. Verification of income must be received before a family can be considered for placement in Head Start. A Family Support Specialist works with families to obtain all needed income documentation.

Head Start Preschool hours*

Morning classes: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 12:30 – 4 p.m. (A.G. Bell site only)

*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

Learn more about the Head Start Preschool Program

Ready Start

The Ready Start program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience. Classes include typically developing children from the community who attend Ready Start to receive a quality, general-education preschool experience in preparation for kindergarten, as well as students receiving special education. Our excellent preschool education is now offered through a fee-based program.

Ready Start Preschool hours*

Morning classes: 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 1:30 – 4 p.m.

*Times may vary at individual schools.

Learn more about the Ready Start Preschool Program

SNAPS

Students Needing Additional Programming Support (SNAPS) is a special education program serving eligible preschool students ages 3-5 with a primary diagnosis of autism. The SNAPS program is designed to supplement the LWSD preschool program and better meet the needs of students with autism and their families. It is an intensive, early-intervention program that involves extensive evaluation, planning, and progress-monitoring to help better prepare children for kindergarten entry.

SNAPS hours:*

SNAPS students attend both Ready Start Preschool and SNAPS.

10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, in addition to Ready Start

*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

Learn more about the SNAPS Program

Program structure

For both preschool programs the school year begins in mid-September. Classes are located at elementary schools across the district. Students are assigned to the school nearest their home with available space. Average class size is 19 students. Preschoolers attend four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Preschool children and families have access to a variety of services, which may include:

• Unique education experiences
• Literacy program
• Vision, hearing & developmental screenings
• Parent education opportunities
• Health and nutrition education for children and families

Classroom activities are based on the Opening the World of Learning (OWL) curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.