About Preschool/Early Childhood Services

Our preschool classrooms include students who qualify for special education services and peer models learning together. The classrooms have high student-to-teacher ratios with usually about 14 students with 3 teachers. What makes Bainbridge unique is the pyramid practice model for social emotional competence which focuses on meeting developmental benchmarks in social/emotional development, communication skills, pre-academics, motor skills, and adaptive development. Our teachers believe in learning through discovery, play, and imagination, balanced with routine and structure throughout the day. As an added benefit, the preschool teachers work closely with kindergarten teachers in the district to target behaviors and skills that are important for kindergarten readiness.

Currently located at Blakely Elementary and x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary, the preschool meets four days per week (Tuesday-Friday) for 2.5 hours per day. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered at each school: the AM session is from 7:45 am to 10:15 am and the PM session is from 11:45 am to 2:15 pm.

Tuition for peer models for the 2026-2027 school year: $3,950/year (or $395/month); 50% tuition rate: $1,975/year (or $197.50)/month); 25% tuition rate: $988/year (or $98.00/month).  The 50% and 25% tuition rates are only available by meeting the criteria for a scholarship and only a limited number of scholarships are available.

The Bainbridge Island Preschool Team provides services for children who:

• Are 3 to 5 years old and not yet in kindergarten
   
• May have disabilities, health conditions, or developmental delays that impact their learning
   
• May need support in one or more areas of development, including:
  • Speech and communication
  • Physical skills (fine or gross motor)
  • Thinking and problem‑solving skills
  • Social, emotional, or behavioral skills
  • Everyday self‑help skills

Children must also meet eligibility requirements set by the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about early childhood special education services, please contact:

• Contact: Mary-Beth Kobs, Early Childhood Coordinator

• Phone: 206-780-1479

• Email

Birth to Age Three Services For infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3), the Preschool Team offers telephone screenings and coordinates referrals to the Holly Ridge Center and other local providers for formal evaluations and services. Parents seeking standard milestone guidelines can consult the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Evaluation Outcomes & Services The Bainbridge Island Preschool Team works directly with families and community partners to deliver collaborative, individualized special education services. Based on evaluation results, recommendations may include:

• Consultation: Guidance for families and community preschool teachers.

• Therapy: Individual or small-group therapeutic support.

• Preschool Placement: Enrollment in a Bainbridge Island School District Developmental Preschool program.

Our Multi-Disciplinary Team Eligible children receive tailored support from a specialized team, which includes:

• Special Education Preschool Teachers

• School Psychologist

• Speech-Language Pathologist

• Occupational Therapist

• Physical Therapist

A telephone screening will be completed to gather information about your concerns. Additional information about the screening process will be provided during this telephone interview. If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening.

The district will gather information with parent/guardian permission from a variety of sources as well as conduct a phone screen to determine areas of concern.   Screenings are held at x̌alilc elementary school on the first Monday of the month between 9am and 11 am. At the screening, children are seen by a Speech Language Pathologist, an Occupational and Physical Therapist, and an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. In addition, a School Psychologist meets with parents to discuss social, emotional, and behavioral development as well as any other concerns. The results from the screening determine if further evaluations are needed and in what specific areas.

If a child is found eligible for special education services, the following services may be provided based on the needs of the child:

• Communication Development - The Speech and Language Pathologist may work with the child and family to develop an understanding of verbal language, increase complexity and appropriateness of expression, and to promote clear articulation.
• Motor Development - The Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist may work with the child, family and education staff to design preschool activities that promote fine, gross, visual- and oral-motor skill development, as well as sensory-motor intervention.
• Social/Self Help/Pre-Academic Development - The child may be provided with a variety of developmentally appropriate activities designed to promote cognitive and self-help skills, as well as positive social interaction.  Intervention will be designed based on a child’s strengths and interests.

Our Developmental Preschool classrooms bring together children with diverse learning needs and typically developing peers in an inclusive, supportive environment.

What is a Peer Model? Peer models are typically developing children who demonstrate age-appropriate speech, social, motor, and play skills. In our integrated classrooms, peer models lead by example—demonstrating positive behaviors, communication, and cooperative play while building meaningful friendships with classmates.

Benefits for Your Child

• High-Quality Education: Small class sizes led by certified early childhood special education teachers, with built-in support from speech, occupational, and physical therapists.

• Character & Leadership Development: Children naturally foster empathy, patience, confidence, and leadership skills early in life.

• Kindergarten Readiness: A language-rich, play-based curriculum designed to build strong foundational social, emotional, and academic skills.

Program Qualifications Applicants for the peer model program should:

• Be between the ages of 3 and 5 (not yet kindergarten eligible).

• Demonstrate age-appropriate speech, language, and communication skills.

• Display strong social skills, self-help abilities, and emotional regulation.

• Complete a brief screening with our early childhood team.

How to Apply To learn more about tuition, schedules, or to schedule a peer model screening for your child, please contact: 

Sheila Jakubik, Peer Model Coordinator Email