Toddler Time
What is Toddler Time?
Toddler Time is a weekly play-based group for toddlers and their caregivers and is part of Early Support at the EEU. Families enrolled in Early Support can attend Toddler Time to explore toddler-friendly activities, build relationships with other families, and connect with staff who support early development. Caregivers can drop in during the session window and stay for as long as feels comfortable and convenient.
For more details about the daily routine, environment, and caregiver expectations, please see our Toddler Time Welcome Letter.
Who Can Participate?
Toddler Time is offered for children under age 3 who are receiving or eligible for Early Support services. Participation is offered on an annual basis, and space is limited.
Toddler Time is not a primary service location for Early Support services. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, please complete the Early Support Referral for Evaluation form linked below.
How to Apply
To be considered for enrollment, please complete an interest application. Completing an application adds your child to our interest list for the upcoming school year. Placement decisions are made in late spring and summer for the fall start.
2025–2026 School Year
We are currently accepting applications for Toddler Time. Apply here.
Returning Families
If your child is currently enrolled in Toddler Time and plans to return for the 2026–27 school year, our team will contact you in spring 2026 to confirm your placement and answer any questions about transitioning to the next program year.
If You Have Questions or Concerns About Your Child’s Development
Referrals and developmental evaluations are available for children who live within the Seattle School District boundaries. Evaluations are provided at no cost to families.
To request an evaluation:
- Call our referral line at 206-543-6388, or
- Complete the Early Support Referral for Evaluation form online.
After you make a referral, a Family Resource Coordinator will contact you within three business days to discuss next steps, explain the process, and answer questions.
What We Assess
Our interdisciplinary team looks at how children grow and learn across five developmental areas:
- Cognitive: Problem-solving, play, and thinking skills
- Communication: Using gestures, sounds, and words; understanding what others are saying
- Social/Emotional: Interacting with others and sharing feelings
- Physical: Using hands and eyes together to do things; rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, and jumping
- Self-Help/Adaptive: Calming, feeding, sleeping, and dressing
Children are eligible for Early Support services in Washington State if they show a delay in at least one of these areas, or if they have a qualifying diagnosis with a high likelihood of developmental impact.
Option A: Children are eligible for Early Support services in Washington State when a developmental evaluation identifies a delay in one or more areas, or when they have a qualifying diagnosis with a high likelihood of developmental impact. Eligibility reflects how systems determine access to support- not a child’s value, potential, or identity.
Option B: Children are eligible for Early Support services in Washington State if they show a developmental delay in at least one area, or if they have a qualifying diagnosis with a high likelihood of developmental impact. Our team works alongside families to understand what this means, how to navigate a new system, and to support children in ways that honor who they are and how they learn.
Option C: Children are eligible for Early Support services in Washington State if they show a developmental delay in at least one area, or if they have a qualifying diagnosis with a high likelihood of developmental impact. Eligibility helps us connect children and families with the right supports while honoring many ways of growing and learning.
All children grow on their own timelines, and Early Support supports learning and development through play, connection, and meaningful experiences.
If You Live Outside Our Service Area
Please call 1-800-322-2588 or use the King County ESIT Provider Tool to find an Early Support provider near you.
