A longstanding early-education program that has served families in the Sandpoint area for 18 years is now expanding to Cocolalla, bringing free workshops designed to strengthen children’s readiness for school.
Ready! for Kindergarten, operated locally through the Panhandle Alliance for Education, offers instruction and resources to parents, grandparents, and caregivers seeking to build foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, language development, and social-emotional learning. The program provides workshop materials, take-home activities suited for everyday family routines, and on-site child care so participants can focus on the sessions.
Program Details and Schedule
Classes run on Saturday mornings at two locations. In Sandpoint, workshops will be held at Farmin Stidwell Elementary School on November 7, January 30, and March 27. The newly added Cocolalla site at Southside Elementary School will host sessions on September 26, January 23, and April 17.
Families interested in attending are encouraged to register early through the Panhandle Alliance for Education website at panhandlealliance.org, as space may be limited.
Supporting Long-Term Student Success
The expansion aligns with efforts to bolster academic outcomes across the Lake Pend Oreille School District. By strengthening early literacy and math foundations before kindergarten entry, the program aims to set students on a trajectory for success throughout their K-12 education.
Heather Lowman, a representative with the Panhandle Alliance for Education, framed the initiative in terms of opportunity. “One of the greatest gifts we can give children is a strong start,” Lowman told the Sandpoint Reader. “By bringing Ready! for Kindergarten to Cocolalla, we’re helping ensure that more families have access to the resources and support they need to prepare their children for success long before the first day of school.”
The expansion reflects growing recognition of the importance of pre-kindergarten preparation. Research consistently shows that children who enter school with stronger early literacy and numeracy skills are more likely to maintain academic advantages throughout their schooling. Free, community-based programs like Ready! for Kindergarten remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent families from accessing such support.
What Comes Next
Families in both Sandpoint and Cocolalla can begin registering for fall sessions immediately. The first Cocolalla class is scheduled for September 26. More information about the program, registration details, and session times is available at panhandlealliance.org.
The Lake Pend Oreille School District has prioritized early literacy in recent years, including summer learning extensions for students with disabilities and continued focus on foundational skills development.