Tigard‑Tualatin highlights expansion of district early‑learning programs, including bilingual classrooms and transportation supports

Tigard‑Tualatin School District 23J staff on Monday outlined an expanded early‑learning program that combines three program models, new coordinated enrollment and partnerships with county and community providers to increase access for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds.

The presentation centered on the Kalapuya Early Learning Team, which district staff said serves 171 children this year and uses a mix of district general funds and Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Preschool Promise money to operate full‑day preschool in some sites and part‑day “lab” classrooms at high schools and elementary schools.

Why it matters: Board members said expanding high‑quality, inclusive preschool can reduce barriers that later affect elementary outcomes and noted the district’s effort to remove transportation and administrative hurdles that previously kept families from enrolling.

District staff described three program models: full‑day Preschool Promise classrooms at Kalapuya for income‑eligible 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds (eligibility processed through Washington County); part‑day lab classrooms at Tigard and Tualatin high schools that pair…