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Seattle Preschool Program accepting applications for the fall

News Release

From the Department of Education and Early Learning                                                          

August 14, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Al Sanders, Department of Education and Early Learning, 

al.sanders@seattle.gov or 206-485-5926

All 3-and 4-year olds eligible

SEATTLE (August 14) – If you have a 3-or 4-year old who is ready for preschool, the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) has openings in select locations throughout the city.

“Seattle is committed to ensuring that children throughout our amazing city have the skills they need to thrive when they enter Kindergarten,” said Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). “We want to make sure parents, families and community members know that SPP is available, and that SPP provides a nurturing, supportive environment to help prepare their kids for the future.”

The Seattle Preschool Program helps prepare children, regardless of income, to enter Kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs have better academic and life outcomes; they’re more likely to have better grades, graduate, attend college, get a job, have higher lifetime wages, and better mental and physical health.

Voters approved the creation of SPP as a pilot program in 2014 and approved continued funding for the program with the adoption of the Family, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy last fall. The FEPP funding allowed for the expansion of SPP, increasing the geographic diversity of the program, with a focus on providing more capacity in regions of the city with the highest demand.

While there are some openings throughout the city, Monica Liang-Aguirre, DEEL’s Director of Early Learning, said there are several locations in Central and South Seattle that still have spots available and might be convenient for parents who work near those neighborhoods.

“We know the impact preschool can have on lives of young people,” Liang-Aguirre said. “SPP is an investment in the future, and we want to make sure as many parents and preschools programs as possible are taking advantage of this valuable opportunity.” 

For the 2019-2020 school year, SPP programming will be available at 68 sites throughout the city, offered by community-based organizations, Seattle Public Schools, and family childcare.

Tuition is calculated on a sliding scale based on household income and family size; historically the majority of children qualify for free tuition.

All Seattle children who will be 3-or 4-years old on or before August 31, 2019 can apply. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2020 for any openings available throughout the school year. Families interested in locations that have openings will be contacted immediately; families can remain on the waitlist indefinitely.

You can go to seattle.gov/applyspp for more information on the Seattle Preschool Program, or you can call 206-386-1050.

DEEL’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education.