“At the heart of the West Valley School District is a deep belief that learning begins long before kindergarten,” says Stacey Drake, Assistant Superintendent at WVSD. “When we invest early, children thrive for a lifetime.”

For more than 15 years, WVSD has proudly partnered with EPIC, a local non-profit that offers state and federally funded early learning programs, to provide high-quality early learning opportunities for our youngest learners. The programs offer needs-based services for families who may not be able to afford private, preschool options.

Through this partnership, EPIC operates four classrooms within WVSD: two classrooms at Ahtanum Elementary, one at Mountainview Elementary, and one classroom on the Wide Hollow campus. Together, these programs serve children ages 3 to 5, focusing on the whole child and the whole family.

“Our goal is to make sure children—and their families—are truly ready for kindergarten,” said Mamie Barbosa, Executive Director of EPIC. “That means supporting learning in the classroom while also making sure families have access to health care, nutrition, and the resources they need to thrive.”

West Valley’s early learning programs offer comprehensive wraparound services, including home visits and parent-teacher conferences. Families may qualify based on income, housing instability, high-risk factors, or a child’s diagnosed disability, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

Learning in West Valley’s early learning classrooms is play-based and developmentally appropriate. Children explore language, math, science, movement, and social-emotional skills through hands-on activities and creative centers.

“Our early learning classrooms provide a minimum of one teacher to every ten-children classroom,” says Barbosa. “Each child receives individualized attention in a positive, nurturing environment.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of the partnership is the kindergarten transition process.

“WVSD kindergarten teachers visit the early learning classrooms in the spring, build early relationships with students, and often join teachers on final home visits so they can get to know the families of the students they will have in the fall,” says Stacey Drake. “Our kindergarten teachers have learned a lot about developmentally appropriate learning from being in the EPIC classrooms each spring. This level of collaboration with our EPIC Early Learning partners makes a powerful difference for kids.”

By valuing early intervention, family partnership, and educator expertise, WVSD and EPIC are working together to ensure every child enters kindergarten confident, supported, and ready to succeed.