Application FAQ

•   1. Who is eligible?

• Eligibility is based on Child, age, and Address.

   

  Age: Children must be age 3 or 4 on or by August 31, the start of the program year. Children who are 5 years old before August 31 are eligible for kindergarten and are not eligible for City-Funded preschool programs.

   

  Address: SPP is only open to Seattle residents. Children residing in unincorporated Seattle, or outside Seattle city limits, are not eligible.

   

  Upon enrollment, you will be required to submit documents to verify eligibility. You can confirm your residency by using this address lookup tool.

•   2. How do I apply for SPP?

• We highly encourage parents to apply directly online through our online portal. If it is not possible to apply online, you can print a paper application. For printable applications and translated versions, please visit our application page.

   

•   3. When is the deadline to apply?

• SPP applications open on March 15th every year and enrollment continues through March 31st of the following year. However, for priority selection/enrollment, submit applications early. For the 2020-2021 school year:
  Applications submitted between March 15-March 31 will be notified by April 30.
  Applications submitted between April 1-April 22 will be notified by May 22.
  Applications submitted after April 23 will be notified on a rolling basis as seats are available.
  

•   4. Can I apply through SPP but also apply through a preschool provider?

• Yes! The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) will accept applications through this online portal and via paper. Those applicants will be considered for seats that DEEL is responsible for enrolling at most of our providers. However, some SPP providers conduct their own enrollment directly. You are encouraged to contact those agencies to inquire about availability. To determine if a location enrolls students or DEEL enrolls students, submit an SPP application and through the site selection process, you will be notified which sites conduct direct enrollment.

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•   5. My child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) through Seattle Public Schools. Can I apply for SPP?

• All SPP classrooms are inclusive and welcome serving children with a range of developmental needs. Several locations in SPS buildings participate in SPP Plus, a version of SPP that’s specifically structured to support children with IEP’s.

  
  

  SPP Plus has a class size of 18, and 5 of those seats being selected and enrolled by SPS Special Education Early Learning for children with an IEP. If your child is on an IEP with SPS, you are encouraged to work directly with your child’s IEP team to determine the best learning environment for your child. In order for a child with an established IEP to attend an SPP Plus classroom, the parent must apply through the SPS “Letter of Intent” process which is communicated directly to families of children with IEPs. Contact preschool@seattleschools.org if you have additional questions about applying for SPP Plus for a child with an IEP. Otherwise, if you’re interested in other locations within the SPP network, please submit an application here.

•   6. If my child attends a SPP classroom located within one of the Seattle Public Schools, does this mean my child will attend kindergarted at that school?

• • No. You must register for kindergarten separately with Seattle Public Schools. Your child is guaranteed a spot at their neighborhood elementary school. If you do not want your child to attend their neighborhood school, you must complete a School Choice Form which can be found on the Seattle Public Schools website.