Early Learning
Centennial's Early Learning Program
Centennial School District Early Learning Priorities
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Regular Attendance is important because it lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social, and emotional development. Here’s why regular attendance matters:
- Academic Success – Consistent attendance helps children build strong reading, writing, and math skills, which are essential for future learning. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge that are hard to catch up on.
- Social Skills – Attending school regularly allows children to develop friendships, learn teamwork, and practice communication skills that are important for their future interactions.
- Good Habits – Establishing the habit of going to school every day teaches responsibility, discipline, and time management—skills that will benefit them in later education and life.
- Emotional Development – Being in a structured school environment helps children learn how to manage emotions, handle challenges, and develop confidence.
- Higher Graduation Rates – Studies show that students who attend elementary school regularly are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education or successful careers.
- Parental Involvement – When children attend school consistently, parents and teachers can work together to support their learning and address any difficulties early.
Regular attendance is a key factor in ensuring children reach their full potential. If a child misses too much school, it can affect their ability to keep up with lessons and make school feel more difficult.
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Early Literacy is important because it forms the foundation for a child's ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. Here’s why it matters:
- Brain Development – The early years are a critical time for brain growth. Engaging with books, letters, and sounds helps develop neural connections that support learning.
- Stronger Language Skills – Early exposure to books and storytelling builds vocabulary, comprehension, and the ability to express thoughts clearly.
- Academic Success – Children with strong early literacy skills perform better in school. Reading readiness is linked to better outcomes in all subjects, including math and science.
- Better Social and Emotional Skills – Reading helps children understand emotions, develop empathy, and communicate effectively with others.
- Increased Confidence – When children recognize letters, words, and sounds early on, they feel more confident in learning and participating in school activities.
- Lifelong Love for Learning – Encouraging reading from a young age fosters curiosity and a love for books, setting the stage for lifelong learning.
- Parental Bonding – Reading together strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates positive associations with learning.
By promoting early literacy through reading, singing, and talking with children, we give them a strong start in education and life.
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Parent-school Partnerships bring many benefits to students, parents, and educators by creating a strong support system for learning and development. Here are some key advantages:
For Students:
- Improved Academic Performance – When parents are involved, students tend to have higher grades, better test scores, and stronger reading and math skills.
- Better Behavior & Attendance – Students with engaged parents are more likely to attend school regularly and demonstrate positive behavior.
- Higher Confidence & Motivation – Knowing their parents value education encourages students to take learning seriously and develop a positive attitude toward school.
- Stronger Social Skills – A supportive home-school connection helps students develop better communication and teamwork skills.
- Higher Graduation Rates & Future Success – Active parental involvement leads to greater chances of students finishing high school and pursuing further education or careers.
For Parents:
- Better Understanding of Child’s Education – Parents become more aware of what their children are learning and how they can support them at home.
- Stronger Communication with Teachers – Open communication helps parents and teachers address challenges early and celebrate successes together.
- Increased Confidence in Parenting Skills – Knowing how to help with homework, reading, and school projects boosts parents’ confidence in guiding their children’s education.
- Greater Involvement in School Community – Engaged parents feel more connected to their child’s school and are more likely to contribute to school improvement efforts.
For Schools & Teachers:
- Improved Classroom Behavior & Engagement – When parents support learning at home, teachers spend less time managing behavior and more time teaching.
- Higher Teacher Satisfaction – Teachers feel more supported when parents are involved, leading to a better school environment.
- Stronger School Community – A positive relationship between families and schools fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.
- Better Student Outcomes – Schools with active parent partnerships see higher overall student achievement and well-being.
A strong parent-school partnership creates a shared responsibility for student success and ensures children receive consistent support both at home and in school.
Centennial School District is a Preschool for All Pilot Site
In 2023, the Centennial School District was approved as a Preschool for All Pilot Site. As a Pilot Site, we have committed to opening preschool classrooms for families that live in the Centennial attendance area.
Current Preschool Classroom Sites
- Little Eagles Preschool (at Centennial High School) - Opened one classroom in fall 2025
- Meadows Elementary School - opened two classrooms in fall 2025
- Patrick Lynch Elementary School - opened two preschool classrooms in fall 2025
- Powell Butte Elementary School - opened two preschool classrooms in fall 2024
New Preschool Classroom Sites for Next Year
We will open two preschool classrooms at each of these schools in fall 2026:
- Parklane Elementary School
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School
The Preschool for All 2026-27 Application Opens in Mid-April
Families interested in a Centennial School District preschool slot must complete the Family Application process. Please visit Preschool for All for more information about eligibility and the application process and resources available if assistance is needed. Once families apply, if accepted, Preschool for All will notify them of their placement and the next steps.
Eligibility Criteria - Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st and reside in Multnomah County to apply. Families must reside in Centennial School District’s attendance area to apply for a Centennial preschool slot. Please use the Centennial School Locator to confirm that you live in the Centennial attendance area. Please note that Butler Creek and Pleasant Valley families residing in Clackamas County are not eligible for Preschool for All.
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