Basic Steps Learning Center

Kent Valley Early Learning Center is one of the preschool sites run by Kent Youth and Family Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served children and families in Kent for more than 55 years. We offer Head Start and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) preschool for children ages three to five who live or attend daycare within the Kent School District. Our part-day and full-day classrooms teach problem solving, independence, self-help, initiative, and self-control. Children receive two to three meals a day, vision, hearing, and growth screenings, and early developmental and behavioral screenings, with on-site counseling and special education referrals when needed. Families qualify with income up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level or 36 percent of the state median income in Washington, and families receiving public assistance and children in out-of-home care are eligible. Enrollment priority goes to children experiencing homelessness and children with an IEP. Parents can join meetings, classes, job training, and health and nutrition education, and receive case management and referrals to food banks and other community services.

Lake Meridian Montessori in Kent, Washington, is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for young learners, particularly those with unique needs. Serving children from early childhood through primary grades, the school specializes in addressing various learning styles and challenges, including language-based learning disabilities. The core mission centers on activating each child's innate desire to learn through a child-first curriculum that emphasizes exploration and hands-on experiences across seven integrated curriculum areas. The school employs the Montessori method, which encourages independence and self-directed learning within a supportive framework. This approach is complemented by enriching activities such as Spanish language classes, music programs, field trips, and interactive book clubs that enhance the overall educational experience. What sets Lake Meridian Montessori apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each child. The school fosters strong partnerships with families to create a collaborative community focused on holistic development. With specialized facilities designed to promote engagement and creativity, Lake Meridian Montessori stands out as a place where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our Little Orchard really is an orchard. The Kent schoolhouse grounds hold apple, pear, fig and cherry trees, a small pumpkin patch, dozens of blueberry bushes, grape vines, lavender and a greenhouse we use year round for planting and harvesting. Little Orchard Preschool is a nature-based preschool and pre-K run by Little Learners Child Development Center, and every subject moves outdoors. Our morning session runs Monday through Friday, with drop-off play in the orchard before class and pickup at 11:45 a.m. Children are grouped by age: the Squirrel Class is a group of three for children 32 months and older, the Owl Class is two years from kindergarten, and the Tree Class is the pre-K year. A part-time afternoon session meets two days a week. There is no screen time; children learn sequencing and early coding with Bee-Bots outdoors. Days include Montessori work, science experiments, engineering, artist studies, music, cooking, theater and physical education. A monthly book club brings one story to life through art, cooking and dramatic play. We teach an anti-bias curriculum, and every teacher is certified in child CPR and first aid.