3 to 6 (Preschool)

Children who are eligible for this program demonstrate delays in one or more developmental areas (problem solving, communication, motor, social, or self help.) Services are available during the nine months of the school year, depending on individual needs.

What are they? Both programs are for children ages 3 & 4. Find out more here.

Why should I apply for DDA?
~ DDA has many different services and programs including personal care, respite, residential supports, and much more.
~ Becoming a client earlier in life will help you transition during different stages of life.
~ If your caregiver is not able to provide supports to you in the future, you will already be a client so the process will be easier and faster.

Transitioning from birth-to-three services into the school system comes with a series of changes for you and your child. Be prepared for not one, but several transitions—from early intervention services, to developmental preschool, then on to kindergarten and first grade.

With each transition, start planning at least six months ahead. A good thing to remember is that all parents feel concerned about any transition in a child’s life. This is a very normal feeling no matter what the transition.

You’ll now find yourself navigating three large systems: education, healthcare, and publicly funded services and supports. Don't worry, we have lots of resources to help you find your way.

A colorful chart depicting social skills that kids need to learn.

Parent to Parent provides emotional support and information to families of children and adults with special needs in Washington State. Local county coordinators organize parent volunteers (Helping Parents) who also have children with special needs.

A must read by Courtney Criss, Independent Living Coordinator The ARC of Snohomish County

“All young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs, where they are provided with individualized and appropriate support in meeting high expectations.”
~U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, September 2015

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington’s pre-kindergarten program that assists children from low income families for success in school and beyond. ECEAP focuses on the whole child by offering FREE comprehensive education, nutrition, health, and family support services. CPPS families with age eligible children are encouraged to apply for the program. ECEAP is offered four days a week.

Developmental Preschool (DPS) serves students with special needs, ages 3-5. There are morning and afternoon classes. Transportation will be provided to and from preschool by College Place Public Schools.

The Walla Walla Center for Children & Families provides birth-to-five services for youth and parents as a coordinated and comprehensive community learning hub. From parenting education and support to infant care and early learning, the center is far more than just a preschool. Its services will address and help overcome the staggering access gap for many Walla Walla youth and families, promoting an inclusive community resource that encourages integration, engagement and opportunity for all.
Programs include: Transitional Kindergarten, Head Start, ECEAP, and more.

The Head Start Center for Inclusion offers a library of visual supports for teachers to use with children in the classroom. Look for illustrations of toys, art materials, daily schedule pictures, problem solving cue cards, and classroom certificates, to name just a few. Each one can be downloaded and printed out for immediate use.

Section 619 is the IDEA preschool program for kids ages 3 to 5.

Resources to help you find local quality childcare.

The Haring Center provides early childhood education to children with and without disabilities, conducts leading-edge research to advance inclusive learning, and champions the best practices we develop beyond our walls so that every child can reach their full potential.

Join us for monthly webinars and browse our tools for free resources related to inclusive education. Go to: https://haringcenter.org/professional-development/our-training-and-tools/

Music Together® is a music program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, from birth to 5 years, and the grown ups who love them. In our classes, music is learned through playful, fun activities that are developmentally appropriate and research-based.

Seattle Children’s Neurodevelopmental Program cares for children who have special needs because of a condition with their nervous system that they’ve had since birth or that was caused by disease or trauma. These issues with their nervous system, which includes the brain, can cause developmental disabilities or delays. Our team works together with families and others to care for, advocate for and enhance the lives of children with developmental delay.

It is never too late to learn. Research on children using sign language to assist with communication is extremely promising. Imagine the frustration avoided when children have an alternative way to express themselves.

Since 1954, the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children has provided home-based occupational or physical therapy to children with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to the family served.