Early Learning

Early Learning in Mount Vernon

In support of our 100% Graduation Goal, we are working to promote school readiness for kindergarten and foster successful transitions throughout grades K-3, ensuring students meet grade-level standards in reading and math by 3rd grade.

We recognize that Early Learning is a community effort. There are many organizations and free resources in our community with programs to support infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and their families. Education begins at home. Parents and caregivers are a child's first and most important teacher. A good central source for resources in Skagit County is HELP ME GROW SKAGIT .

As part of our district's ongoing commitment to Early Learning, we opened our first sections of Transitional Kindergarten in 2020-21. To learn more about this program, please visit our TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN page.
 

Kindergarten Readiness

Transition to kindergarten is an exciting time for students, families, and our school community. Schools know that each child is an individual, and that it is our role to be ready to meet children where they are at in their developmental journey. There are some basic skills that support a smooth and successful transition to kindergarten. Whether a child is working on these skills, or has mastered the skills, knowing what those skills are and practicing them supports both students and teachers during those first weeks in the classroom together.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS GUIDELINES (ENGLISH)

KINDERGARTEN READINESS GUIDELINES (SPANISH)

KINDERGARTEN READINESS GUIDELINES (RUSSIAN) 

To enroll your child in Kindergarten, please visit our ONLINE ENROLLMENT PAGE.

If your child was born after August 31 of the upcoming school year, and you wish to have them assessed for early entrance to kindergarten, please contact Cynthia Aguirre in Teaching & Learning at 360-428-6236 prior to June 1, 2023 to request an application. More information about early entry to kindergarten can be found in ADMISSION AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ATTENDANCE AND PLACEMENT POLICY and QUALIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE AND PLACEMENT PROCEDURE


Activities

MOUNT VERNON LIBRARY--KIDS

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF SKAGIT COUNTY

SKAGIT PARENT TO PARENT

VROOM :  Free, science-based tips and tools to help parents and caregivers give children a great start in life today—and an even better future. Tools available in Spanish! Download their free app to have these practical tools at your fingertips.
 

Assistance Locating Early Childhood Education Opportunities

CHILDCARE AWARE OF NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

INSPIRE DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

WASHINGTON CONNECTION--CHILDCARE VOUCHERS 

SKAGIT / ISLAND HEAD START AND ECEAP

SPARC (SKAGIT PRESCHOOL AND RESOURCE CENTER)

10 WAYS TO SUPPORT KINDERGARTEN READINESS

CHILDREN'S COUNCIL OF SKAGIT COUNTY

State Advisory Council for Early Care and Education (Toll-free: 888-444-1863 Ext. 423)
 

Community Agencies & Resources

COMMUNITY ACTION OF SKAGIT COUNTY

COMMUNITY ACTION WIC

SKAGIT PUBLIC HEALTH--CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH DIVISION

UNITED WAY OF SKAGIT COUNTY--EARLY LEARNING RESOURCES

UNITED WAY OF SKAGIT COUNTY--BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

NORTHWEST EARLY LEARNING--STUDENT AND FAMILY RESOURCES

START EARLY--RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

BRIGID COLLINS

SKAGIT HEALTHY BEGINNINGS HOTLINE
 

Nutrition and Basic Needs

DIAPER BANK OF SKAGIT COUNTY

HELPING HANDS FOOD BANK

SKAGIT VALLEY NEIGHBORS IN NEED

COMMUNITY ACTION FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION CENTER

SKAGIT GLEANERS

UNITED WAY OF SKAGIT COUNTY--CUTTING HUNGER ON WEEKENDS (CHOW)