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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. What is the purpose of Early Childhood Education (ECE)?

A. Early childhood education provides enriching experiences that help children learn and develop in a number of ways. The early childhood day is focused on building skills that are important for all children. As part of their play in ECE programs, children develop behaviors such as persistence, empathy, problem solving and thinking skills. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs believe in the benefit of providing a strong start for all children and families.  A supportive staff works closely with families to meet the needs of individual children. The district provides services for children birth through three years old who may have a developmental delay by contracting with local special needs centers.


The district provides preschool for children three to five who may have a developmental delay or come from an economically disadvantaged families.

Q. What ECE programs does Bethel School District offer?

A. Birth to Three/Special Education - 253.798.3790
*  Services for children with disabilities/delays birth to three years old
*  Contracted through Pierce County Health Services
*  Provides home visits, parent-child playgroups and therapy services

Evergreen Early Head Start - 253.800.8251
*  For low-income families with children birth - 3 years old
*  Weekly home visits with certified parent educators
*  Pregnant mothers are eligible
*  Parent Education and family literacy focus
*  Links to community resources and social services
*  Provides health and developmental screenings
*  Tuition-free family activities and field trips

Developmental Preschool Programs - 253.800.4178
*  Early Childhood program for 3 - 5 year old children with disabilities/delays
*  Certified special education staff and therapy services
*  Half-day sessions four days per week
*  Transportation provided as needed
*  Parent activities and parent involvement
*  Individualized Education Plan-IEP
*  Students participate in curriculum designed to meet their individual needs and to prepare them for success in kindergarten

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program)
*  Tuition-Free preschool services to eligible low-income families
*  Kindergarten readiness program for 3 - 5 year old children at risk
*  Half-day sessions four days per week
*  Transportation may be provided based on the family's home
*  Provides vision, hearing, dental and developmental screenings
*  Parent activities and parent involvement included
*  Nutritious meals offered daily
*  Students participate in curriculum designed to meet their individual needs and to prepare them for success in kindergarten

Inclusive Preschool
*  Half-day sessions four days per week
*  Transportation provided as needed
*  Parent activities and parent involvement
*  Nutritious meals offered daily
*  Students participate in curriculum designed to meet their individual needs and to prepare them for success in kindergarten

Pay 2 Go Preschool
*  Tuition preschool services
*  Kindergarten readiness program for 4-5 year old children
*  Half-day sessions four days per week
*  Parent activities and parent involvement
*  Nutritious snack offered daily
*  Students participate in curriculum designed to meet their individual needs and to prepare them for success in kindergarten


Q. How does a child qualify for special education preschool services?

A. To qualify, a child three-to- five years old need only be officially identified as developmentally delayed, but may also qualify under any other handicapping category. Once a child has qualified for special education services, an individual education plan (IEP) is developed as the basis for specialized instruction and/or related services provided in an appropriate program.

Parents, guardians, public or private agencies or anyone who has an interest in the child, may make special education referrals.

To request Special Education services or screenings please call 253.800.4178.


Q. What is Child Find?

A. Child Find is a process school district staff uses to locate, identify and evaluate students from birth to 21 years who have disabilities and live within the district.

 
For more information or to request Child Find services, please call 253.800.4178.