Welcome to Irene Reither Elementary School!
We have many programs that meet the needs for our families. Children must turn 3, 4 or 5 before Sept. 1 to be eligible for programs. View the information below to find the programs you may be eligible for.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year begins Tuesday, Feb. 17. Children must be 5-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026 to be eligible.
Research shows that high-quality early learning programs increase graduation rates, significantly reduce disparities in early literacy and language development, and support lifelong emotional well-being. Students who start strong in kindergarten are more likely to stay on track academically.
Days in our early learning programs include morning meetings to build social skills, two recesses, structured play blocks, and enrichment classes. A research-based program integrates literacy and math into lessons driven by student interests. Children learn through play and engaging hands-on experiences.
Do I qualify?
Eligible students must turn 5-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. You can apply online beginning Feb. 17, 2026. Visit our registration webpage.
Pre-Kindergarten Programs (PK)
Our Pre-Kindergarten (PK) Program brings together the strengths of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and ECEAP (pronounced E-Cap) into one high-quality early learning experience for children ages 3 and 4. This free, full-day program is designed to support children’s academic, social-emotional, and language development while building a strong foundation for kindergarten and long-term school success.
Children learn in developmentally appropriate classrooms that emphasize play-based learning, early literacy and math skills, problem-solving, self-regulation, and positive peer relationships. Our PK program offers a comprehensive approach that meets children where they are and supports the whole family.
What Families Can Expect
- Full-day, no-cost preschool for eligible families
- Inclusive classrooms serving both 3- and 4-year-olds
- Kindergarten readiness focus, including early academic and social skills
- Whole-child support, including language development, social-emotional learning, and family partnerships
- Strong collaboration between school staff and community partners
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
This program focuses on basic academic and social skills to help qualifying students get a jump start on kindergarten and toward success in school. Learn more about Transitional Kindergarten from OSPI.
Your child may qualify for this program if they:
- Are not currently in an early childhood program such as preschool (½ or full day)
- Demonstrate a need for support in academics, social/emotional, or language development
You can apply online beginning Feb. 17, 2026. After applying, a staff member will reach out to you to do an assessment with you and child to see if they qualify.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
ECEAP (pronounced “E-Cap”) is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington State for children 3 and 4.
Through our partnership with ECEAP, we can serve additional students in our program who:
- Demonstrate a need for support in academics, social/emotional development, language development, and/or exposure to peers and classroom settings
- Families who want to participate in Home Visits, Parent Leadership opportunities, Adult Education Scholarships and Parenting support classes and connection to community resources; such as energy assistance.
By providing quality educational environments and building strong family relationships our programs give children the foundation they need for success in school and in life.
Developmental Preschool
The focus of the developmental preschool program is to support each and every child’s individual development, ensuring school readiness when entering kindergarten. Our classroom is rich in early literacy and language experiences and focuses on the emerging social skills that will enable children to be successful in a group setting.
Does my child qualify?
Free screenings are available to help identify children ages 3 to 5 who may have developmental delay. Our early childhood evaluation team assesses children in the areas of communication, motor, adaptive skills, social-emotional development and cognition to determine the need for early intervention. If a child is found to be eligible for services, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is written to address the needs of the child.
Children who have visual, hearing, or orthopedic impairment, autism, brain injury, specific diagnosis, or chronic health problems may also be eligible for services. Please contact us to learn more.
