The Snoqualmie Valley School District is home to approximately 3,000 elementary school aged children. The City of Snoqualmie was the fastest growing city in Washington from 2000-2010. Each year more families chose to call the valley home. About 500 of those 3,000 elementary school students are kindergarteners. The majority attended half day kindergarten. The rest get a spot in the lottery-based full day program. The number of full day program spots is determined yearly, based on available classroom space at the district’s five elementary schools.
There seems to be a gap in care options in Snoqualmie Valley for working parents with children in half-day kindergarten programs. In response, Si View Parks has launched an online KinderCare Survey to determine if the community would benefit from a kindergarten enrichment program at its facility. Si View Parks District currently offers a before and after school program from 6:30AM-6:30PM based on a full school day schedule. This means there is no care available between 9:00AM and 3:30PM. In response, Si View is exploring expanding its child care program next year to cover those missing hours to better serve families with students in morning and afternoon half-day kindergarten programs. Transportation to/from school would be provided with Si View Parks vans or SVSD school buses, depending on the school that students attend.
Si View Parks District’s current before and after school program has been steadily growing, now averaging 35 students a day at Si View Community Center. With monthly and daily registration options, it offers flexibility to families with varying schedules. Many families also take advantage of other youth programs in the building during after school care hours such as swim lessons, dance classes and karate.
Si View Recreation Coordinator, Minna Rudd, says, “The KinderCare survey will help us map what the community needs are and whether we can provide this expanded service. The Survey is now open and will remain open until April 16th.”
You can take Si View’s KinderCare Survey here.
