Early Learning
Early Learning
Investment in a strong early childhood program is a top priority for Lynden School District. Children grow and develop at varying rates, and this window of opportunity for growth and development is wide open during the early years from birth to five. Lynden School District recognizes that these early years provide a unique opportunity to support families as their young children develop, and we provide a variety of services to assist with this. We continue to learn from the experience of our teachers and students in ways that shape programmatic decisions to ensure that all entering kindergartners can experience early and continuing success. We continue to build excellent preschool opportunities for Lynden students, and to provide the necessary program leadership for our preschool offerings. Over time, we envision that every student in the Lynden community will enjoy access to a high-quality preschool experience that will enable them to come to kindergarten ready to learn. Scroll down the page for information on our early childhood programs.
Launch Transitional Kindergarten
Launch TK is a free, full day, five days a week, transitional kindergarten program for children who are at least 4-years old by August 31st. The program focuses on basic academic and social skills to help qualifying students get a jump start towards success in school. Students must reside within Lynden Schools enrollment boundaries and enter based on need and/or ability such as financial, academic and social-emotional needs and cannot be currently enrolled in another early learning program. Launch programs are located in the neighborhood schools of Bernice Vossbeck, Fisher, and Isom Elementaries. If you have any questions, please call the district office at 360-354-4443 or feel free to email one of the staff members below:
- Tim Metz, Director of Student Services
- Linda Wiles, Preschool Registrar
Lynden School District Preschool
The Preschool Program is part of the District’s Special Education Program which serves preschool children with developmental delays, as well as their typically developing peers. Children ages 3 to 5 (not eligible for Kindergarten) will participate in an enriched learning environment focused on developing communication, social, self-help, motor, thinking skills, and Kindergarten readiness.
For more information or to apply for enrollment, please contact our registrar Linda Wiles at 360.354.4443 x 3426 or email Wilesl@lynden.wednet.edu. Visit our Lynden Inclusive Preschool Webpage for more information.
Child Find and Children Three to Five
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) where districts develop a process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and evaluate children with developmental delays who are in need of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) or Special Education and Related Support Services for children ages birth to 21.
For children between the ages of 3 to 5 years, living in the Lynden School District area, we offer regularly scheduled Child Find screenings to provide information to families on school related development and services. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, parents or care-givers are encouraged to take advantage of this screening service. We screen for Motor, Communication, Problem Solving, Social, and Adaptive Skills.
For more information and/or to schedule a screening, please contact Linda Wiles at 360.354.4443 x 3426 or email Wilesl@lynden.wednet.edu
Child Find and Children Ages Birth to Three
Early intervention support is provided by one of two agencies: the Opportunity Council or the Whatcom Center for Early Learning. Parents can self-refer by calling the Single Entry Access Line (SEAS) at 360.715.7485 or fax at 360.676.6729
Lynden Toddler Time Drop-In Playgroup
Beginning in October of 2022, Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is hosting a drop-in community playgroup called “Toddler Time.” This class is held in the gymnasium at the Main Street Campus, on Wednesdays, from 10:00-11:30 am, for ages birth to five. This program runs during the regular school year schedule.
Community Partnerships:
Community Preschools:
- Lynden Co-op Preschool: 360.209.4181
- Lynden Christian Preschool: 360.318.9525
- Tiny Treasures Preschool: 360.318.9446 x 236
- Kids Caboose Preschool: 360.354.4221
(This is not an exhaustive list, and this is contact info only, not recommendations, as each family must determine the fit of a program for their child and family needs)
