• Buddy Bear Program

    To apply, click the link below:

     

     

    2024-2025 Information

     

    A Buddy Bear is a typically developing child that serves as a peer model for children in special education preschool classrooms. Buddy Bears provide opportunities and model age-appropriate social skills, language, and behavior for preschool students with disabilities. 

    The Buddy Bear Program model is not intended to provide traditional early childhood education for typically-developing children; it is designed to support the development of young children who are identified as developmentally-delayed or disabled.  

    A maximum of three Buddy Bears are allocated per classroom.  Allocations will be determined by the principal and school team and will be reviewed throughout the school year. The number of Buddy Bear students allocated to each preschool special education class is based on the enrollment and needs of the special education students in each class.

     

    Program Information

    • Children 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2024 attend Mondays 9:00am- 12am and Tuesday-Friday 8:00-12:00
    • Children younger than 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2023 attend either 8:00-10:30am or 12:00pm-2:30pm, Tuesday-Friday
    • Communication programs (Creekside, Taku, Ravenwood) operate 8:00-10:30am or 12:00pm-2:30pm, Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday/Friday
    • Age Eligibility: Children must be at least 3 years old to apply
    • **Buddy Bears at Russian Jack must be able to use American Sign Language to communicate
    • **Buddy Bears at Government Hill must be able to speak Spanish to communicate

     

    Transportation is not provided for the Buddy Bear Program.

     

    Application and Selection

    In consultation with the school team(s), principals select Buddy Bears based on program and classroom needs, and returning Buddy Bear status. Buddy Bear applicants must complete the Buddy Bear Application. The Ages & Stages (ASQ) Screener is completed by the family when contacted by a school for possible selection.

     

    Families will be contacted by the school if/when a program determines space is available for a Buddy Bear. Families may be contacted for a potential spot in the Buddy Bear program throughout the school year. 

     

    After applying, you will receive a copy of the application via email. You will not be contacted unless a school is pursuing adding Buddy Bears to their special education preschool classrooms.

     

    Buddy Bears must reapply each school year.