Who we are

Did you know that we are the only program in Oregon that offers a combined Head Start and tuition paying prekindergarten in a lab setting?

We welcome children with special developmental needs, seek to support those who are learning English and involve families who have a very low income through our Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten Program. Every child is welcome!

We have a bilingual staff who speak English and Spanish. We work closely with Early Intervention (EI), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) to support children with disabilities.

We also serve as an educational program for OSU students studying early childhood development. In addition to our permanent staff, each classroom includes OSU student teachers in our 1:10 ratio. Our students plan careers in prekindergarten and elementary education, social services, special education, family services and health.

Research in childhood development is conducted at the preschool, and you and your child may have the opportunity to participate.

Learn more about our Kindergarten Readiness program and what we’ve learned about giving children the best start for success in kindergarten.

Our curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on your child’s development and preparing them for kindergarten. We offer a developmental and individually adapted curriculum that guides children to acquire learning readiness skills. Activities build on each child’s interests by introducing increasingly complex opportunities for exploration to enhance knowledge, promote development and support kindergarten readiness.

Our curriculum areas of focus include:

• Social skill development
• Creative expression
• Cognitive problem solving
• Number concepts
• Fine motor skills
• Physical activity and development
• Language and early-literacy experiences

Logistics

Eligibility

Children must be at least 3 and no older than 4 by September 1st of the year they enroll. Proof of age is required.

The Preschool Year

Currently, classes meet:

• Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Every other Friday 8:30 a.m. -1 p.m.

Transportation

We do not offer busing. Parents provide transportation.

Campus Parking

Parents can park in our CDC designated spots only for drop off and pick up during school days and hours.

Potty Training

Children should be taking steps toward potty training.

Placement

Applications are accepted all year. There is no cost to apply.

Our services

Parents are welcome and invited to join us in:

• Participating in classroom activities and field trips
• Sharing your skills, culture and talents in the classroom
• Attending parent education and family social events
• Serving on the Health Services Advisory Committee
• Serving on the Parent Policy Council

Other services include:

• Classroom observation rooms
• Weekly classroom curriculum plans
• A very low teacher to child ratio
• Staff trained in adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid
• Dental screenings and fluoride varnishes
• Hearing and vision screens
• Nutritious meals and snacks (USDA Nondiscrimination Statement)
• Referrals to community resources
• Parenting classes
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Individualized goal setting for children
• Home visits by arrangement
• Family social events
• Field trips
• Access to many resources on the OSU campus