Early Education & Learning Initiatives

The Foundation has been committed to providing students with a solid foundation for over two decades. Nothing is more integral to this foundation than basic literacy skills. We know that the earlier children acquire these essential skills, the greater their chances of success throughout their schooling and life.

The Foundation for VPS partnered with VPS and ESD 112 to provide early learning programs designed to reach pre-kindergarten students and their families through 1-2-3 Grow and Learn and Evening Preschool.

We believe early access will allow our community’s most vulnerable children to get in step with their peers. These programs provide important evidence-based results that will allow educators to support these children through their entire k-12 school experience.

1-2-3 Grow and Learn

Free program for families and caregivers with children from birth to 5 years old. In Grow and Learn groups, you will:

• Help your child learn – with focused parent-child time
• Help your child socialize – meet other families
• Help your child grow – with school-readiness activities and healthy snacks
• Have fun and play with your child

Drop-in program: No registration required!

1-2-3 Grow and Learn brings families with young children to school for fun instruction time. Offered in partnership with Educational Service District 112, young learners can attend 1-2-3 Grow and Learn once a week throughout the school year. Parents and caregivers learn effective techniques for sharing books with children and receive ideas for activities to do at home. Library staff facilitate 90-minute story times for children from birth to kindergarten, with their families and care givers. Children experience being part of a structured group while developing the following skills: listening, following directions, conflict resolution, and above all…establishing an early love of reading literacy.

Kindergarten Jump Start

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation was also an early supporter of this program.

This free program for incoming VPS kindergartners helps prepare children for entry into kindergarten through a month-long readiness program that provides developmental and literacy-based activities. Children also participate in math exploration and learn daily school routines. In addition, Kindergarten Jump Start gives parents an early opportunity to become familiar with their neighborhood school, and involved in their child’s education.

Data shows that students who attend Jump Start are better prepared for kindergarten than children who do not participate. They also gain confidence, leadership skills and enthusiasm for school.

Kindergarten Jump Start earns award

Vancouver schools foundation jump-starts kindergarten learning