The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – The wait is over for Waitsburg children eager to participate in the Walla Walla Community College preschool program held at the Waitsburg Elementary School. With nine children on the 2017-18 program wait list, Waitsburg School Board members unanimously approved the addition of an afternoon preschool session at their Sept. 14 board meeting.

The cost of the additional session is approximately $28,000 and WWCC Early Childhood & Parent Education Director Samantha Bowen has submitted a grant to the Blue Mountain Foundation to cover $5,000 of that amount, according to Superintendent Dr. Jon Mishra.

“We see marked success for kids that attend preschool. We get to see them for a year and right now they’re located right across from the kindergarten,” Mishra said. “It’s well worth it to get them in and going on our system.”

“It’s money well spent, investing in our kids. Having our parents of younger children identify with the school early is so important,” said board member Marilyn Johnson who was a strong advocate for making the program free to district students.

Mishra said that the district will also offer free transportation for preschoolers this year.

In the summer of 2016 the Waitsburg school district agreed to partner with the WWCC preschool program to provide free preschool to all district students. Previously, the program, formerly known as the parent cooperative preschool, was free only to students who qualified for the Early Childhool Education Assistance Program (ECEAP).

In partnering with WWCC, the district committed $40,000 toward covering the cost of serving students, as well as providing space at the elementary school, janitorial services, and minimal administrative support. A portion of the 2016 school levy was earmarked specifically for preschool education.

“Walla Walla Community College and Waitsburg School District have a long standing relationship, providing preschool in Waitsburg for more than 30 years. I am grateful for the support of the school district board and their decision to continue this opportunity for all families living in Waitsburg. The goal of the program is to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. The program includes early childhood education in a part-day preschool classroom; social and emotional development; nutritious meals and snacks; health and dental screenings; family support and parent involvement,” Bowen said.

This year, the district will also provide transportation for preschool students living within the district boundary. District Transportation Supervisor Colter Mohney is the contact for transportation needs.

The morning preschool session began on Sept. 18 and the afternoon session is slated to begin Mon., Sept. 25. Compete applications, with all required documentation must be turned in before any child can participate, Bowen said.

Parents may pick up applications at the Waitsburg Elementary School office during regular school hours and may call (509) 524-4237 with any questions. The program is currently available only to Waitsburg students, though a few students have been grandfathered in from last year.