Preschool
Our high-quality preschool programs serve children ages 3 to 5. We welcome you to find the program that is right for your family and learn how to apply.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8 AM–4:30 PM
Stephanie Whetzel
Coordinator
Rayeann Reynolds
Jenny Gelbrich
Assistant Coordinators
Heidi Roskop
Office Manager
Erika Garcia
Community School Outreach Coordinator
Preschool Programs
Head Start
About Head Start
Head Start is a free preschool and early childhood development service for low-income families and their children, ages 3 to 5. Our program includes early learning, nutrition, and family services for qualifying families in Marion and Polk Counties.
What is Head Start Preschool Like?
- Safe and nurturing environment.
- Part-day (mornings or afternoons) or full-day classes.
- Staffed by highly-qualified school district employees.
- Classrooms have English and Spanish-speaking staff, paid parent assistants and parent volunteers.
- Bus transportation available when possible.
Head Start Locations
Generally, qualifying children live close to the school site they attend, ensuring a successful transition into kindergarten near the same location.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to children ages 3 or 4 years old by September 10 in Salem and September 1 in surrounding communities.
- Families who meet federal income guidelines, are homeless, foster children, families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) are eligible.
- Sometimes Head Start can serve children from over-income families if a child has a diagnosed disability or has other high needs.
How to Apply to Head Start
Salem-Keizer Head Start and Community Action Head Start use the same application to qualify families. Your family' residence will determine which program will best serve you.
- Download the Head Start application
- Application - (PDF in English)
- Application - (PDF in Spanish)
- You may also call Head Start at 503-399-5510 to request an application be mailed to you.
- Prepare supporting documents:
- Proof of income to determine federal income eligibility
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate
- A copy of your child’s immunization records
- Please email us your completed application and supporting documents.
Applications are scored when they are received at the central office. Scores are determined by income and child/family needs.
Notification of Eligibility or Waitlist
Head Start classes have a limited class size. Our part-day classrooms have 17 children and full-day classrooms have 19.
Eligible families are contacted to complete required program paperwork. Families will be notified by mail if they are placed on the waiting list. As children leave the program, new children are added from the waiting list.
Returning children are re-enrolled in May for the next school year. New program applications are sent to schools in April to begin the enrollment process for the following year.
Parent Handbook
- Head Start Parent Handbook - (PDF in English)
- Head Start Parent Handbook - (PDF in Spanish)
Preschool Promise
About Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise is a free program available to children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 10. Families with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for this program.
What is Preschool Here Like?
- Each classroom is staffed with a teacher and a bilingual instructional assistant.
- Creative curriculum designed to support children becoming independent, self-confident, and
inquisitive learners. - Outdoor play everyday to support your child's health and well-being.
- Bus transportation is available to and from program locations when possible.
Preschool Promise Locations
This program is held at eight locations each serving 18 children.
Bethel School
6580 State St
Salem, OR 97317
Clear Lake Elementary
7425 Meadowglen St. SE
Keizer, OR 97303
Englewood Elementary School
1132 19th St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Kennedy Elementary School
4912 Noren Ave. NE
Keizer, OR 97303
Myers Elementary
2160 Jewel Street NW
Salem, OR 97304
Richmond Elementary
466 Richmond Ave SE
Salem, OR 97301
Scott Elementary
4700 Arizona Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97305
Seymour Center
3745 Portland Road NE
Salem, OR 97301
How to Apply to Preschool Promise
For registration questions, please visit the East Salem Community Center or call 503-399-5510.
- Download the Preschool Promise application
- Application - (PDF in Chinese)
- Application - (PDF in English)
- Application - (PDF in Russian)
- Application - (PDF in Spanish)
- Application - (PDF in Vietnamese)
- Follow the application instructions for parents
- Application Instructions - (PDF in English)
- Application Instructions - (PDF in Spanish)
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Types of Income Verification Documents - (PDF in English)
- Types of Income Verification Documents - (PDF in Spanish)
- Please email us your completed application and supporting documents.
Parent Handbook
- Preschool Promise Parent Handbook - (PDF in English)
- Preschool Promise Parent Handbook - (PDF in Spanish)
Title I Free Preschool
Free Preschool at Title-Funded Schools
Children age 4 on or before September 10 who live within the following school boundary attendance areas are eligible for free preschool! Learn what attendance area your child resides in.
- Bush
- Four Corners
- Highland
- Grant
- Scott
- Swegle
- Richmond
- Washington
What is Preschool Here Like?
- Classes are offered in morning or afternoon sessions 5 days a week.
- Both a teacher and an instructional assistant are in each classroom.
- Classes are offered in English or Spanish.
- Creative curriculum designed to support children becoming independent, self-confident, and
inquisitive learners. - Outdoor play every day to support your child's health and well-being.
- Classes are held at East Salem Community Center, and bus transportation is provided.
How to Apply to Title I Preschool
- Title I Pre-Kindergarten Application - (PDF in English)
- Title I Pre-Kindergarten Application - (PDF in Spanish)
Parent Handbook
- Title I Preschool Parent Handbook - (PDF in English)
- Title I Preschool Parent Handbook - (PDF in Spanish)