Welcome to Irene Reither Elementary School!
We have many educational experiences for our youngest learners.
Kindergarten
Register for kindergarten in Meridian School District! Kindergarten registration for the 2024-25 school year begins Tuesday, Feb. 20. Children must be 5-years-old by Sept. 1, 2024 to be eligible.
Children learn through play and engaging hands-on experiences. In kindergarten, children will learn how to make friends, share and grow in many ways. They will learn to read, write and develop math skills.
Do I qualify?
Eligible students must turn 5-years-old by Sept. 1, 2024. You can apply online beginning Feb. 20, 2024.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten is a free, full-day early entrance kindergarten experience for children who are scheduled to enter kindergarten the following year. This program focuses on basic academic and social skills to help qualifying students get a jump start on kindergarten and toward success in school. In Meridian, our Transitional Kindergarten classes partner with our development preschool classes to create an inclusive early childhood experience. Learn more about Transitional Kindergarten from OSPI.
Do I qualify?
In order to be eligible, students must demonstrate academic, language or social need and cannot be currently enrolled in another early learning program. Eligible students must also turn four before Sept. 1, 2024. You can apply online beginning Feb. 20, 2024. After applying, a staff member will reach out to you to do an assessment with you and child to see if they qualify for Transitional Kindergarten.
Developmental Preschool
The primary purpose for our program is to ensure access to quality early childhood services for families in the Meridian School District. The focus of the three to five 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.
Free screenings are available to help identify children ages three to five 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.
Head Start and ECEAP
With no cost for families that qualify, Opportunity Council offers preschool services throughout Whatcom County for children between the ages of 3 and 5. By providing quality educational environments and building strong family relationships, Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs through the Opportunity Council give children the foundation they need for success in school and in life.
ECEAP (pronounced “E-Cap”) is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington State for children 3 and 4 and, in some locations, infants or toddlers who are younger than 3 years old.
Head Start is funded by the federal government for children ages 3 and 4 and, in some locations, pregnant women and children birth to age 3.
Do I qualify?
Most children are eligible for ECEAP and Head Start based on their age and family income. Up to 10% of ECEAP and Head Start slots can be filled by children above the income requirement who have multiple support needs, including environmental or developmental factors. More information about Head Start and ECEAP from the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
