Early Learning

Kari Montgomery - Executive Director of Teaching & Learning

Megan Shea-Bates - Early Education Coordinator

Address: 431 27th Ave., Longview, WA 98632

Office: (360) 575-7368

Early learning education in Longview, Washington, supports the comprehensive growth and development of children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Through collaborative community partnerships and school-based preschool programs, these initiatives focus on preparing young children for academic success in kindergarten and throughout their educational journey.

Our early learning programs emphasize holistic development, ensuring children build essential social, emotional, cognitive, and academic skills in nurturing, age-appropriate environments. By working closely with families and community partners, we create a strong foundation that sets children up for lifelong learning and success.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states to locate, identify and evaluated all children birth through 21 who are in need of early intervention or special education services.  Longview School District locates, evaluates, and serves children with cognitive, motor, social, behavior, speech, language, hearing or vision needs.  If you know a child who may have a need in one or more of these areas or if you would like more information about our services, please contact:

• Birth to age 3: Progress Center; (360) 425-9810
• Ages 3 to 5:  St. Helens Elementary; (360) 575-7368
• Kindergarten through age 21:  Longview School District Special Services; (360) 575-7008

Learn more here!

Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program here!

Longview Early Education Program (LEEP) partners come together monthly throughout the school year to align instructional practices, and create successful outcomes for students as well as the community as a whole. Community partners are:

• Calvary Community Preschool
• Kids Ranch
• Kid’s World
• LCC East Head Start
• LCC Head Start ECEAP Memorial Park Drive Center
• LCC Home and Family Life Early Learning Center
• Lil Red Barn Academy
• Polly’s Tender Loving Daycare and Preschool
• Rose Valley Friends Church Childcare
• Smart Start Early Learning Center
• Sonshine Preschool
• St. Rose Preschool
• Three Rivers Elementary and Early Learning Center
• Three Rivers Early Learning Center at the Ridge
• Wee Care Day Care – Longview
• Wee Care Day Care – Kelso
• Wee Care Day Care – Catlin

Learning begins at birth as children develop the skills they need to be successful readers later in life.

Read and Grow is a weekly playgroup for Longview Public School families with children from birth to five years old. Playgroup is a fun way for parents and caregivers to practice school readiness with their child.

Check the Read and Grow Facebook page for specific dates.

Kinder Bridge is Longview’s FREE, full-day pre-kindergarten program for four-year-olds. It offers a high-quality early learning experience to eligible children, especially for those who have been unable to participate in early education due to obstacles such as high costs. Learn more here!

For children who turn 5 between September 1 and October 31, and miss the deadline for regular enrollment, the Longview School District provides a process where students who demonstrate readiness for Kindergarten can enroll.  The process takes about 1 to 2 hours and includes an evaluation of cognitive abilities, communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social emotional development.  Sessions include play breaks motor activity and snacks if needed. Students must meet the minimum criteria to be considered for early entrance for kindergarten. Learn more here!