Preschool Peer Model Program
Preschool Programming within the Kodiak Island Borough School District
The Kodiak Island Borough School District Preschool Program provides inclusive learning opportunities for preschool-aged children in our community. Our classrooms bring together children with disabilities and Peer Models in a supportive learning environment where children build independence, strengthen communication, develop social skills, build relationships, and learn alongside one another through meaningful play.
Peer Models play an important role in creating successful inclusive preschool classrooms. They model age-appropriate communication, social interaction, play, and independence while learning alongside classmates with disabilities. Available Peer Model spaces are limited each year.
Play-based learning is at the heart of our preschool program. Through meaningful play experiences, children develop communication, social-emotional, cognitive, motor, and early learning skills while learning at their own pace. Family involvement is an important part of our program, and we believe children are most successful when families and schools work together.
Continue reading below to learn more about the Preschool Peer Model Program, application process, and frequently asked questions
Details of the Peer Model Program
Program Schedule
Preschool sessions are held Tuesday through Friday and are offered in both morning and afternoon sessions. Each session is approximately 2½ hours long. Tentative session times for the 2026 - 2027 school year are 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for the morning session and 12:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. for the afternoon session.
Transportation
Families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school. Bus transportation is not available for students participating in the Preschool Peer Model Program.
Cost
There is no cost for students participating in the Preschool Peer Model Program.
Steps for Applying to the KIBSD Preschool Peer Model Program
A limited number of Peer Model spaces are available each year. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement.
The preschool team carefully reviews each completed application and considers a variety of factors when building classroom communities that best support the learning and success of all students. The information below outlines the eligibility requirements for the Preschool Peer Model Program and the placement considerations used when reviewing applications.
Important: Only fully completed applications will be considered.
Peer Model Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for consideration as a Preschool Peer Model for the 2026-2027 school year, children must:
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Be 3 years old on or before September 15, 2026
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Be independently toilet trained prior to the start of the school year
Placement Considerations
Placement decisions are based on each child’s overall ability to participate successfully in an inclusive preschool classroom. The preschool team thoughtfully considers the whole child when building classroom communities that best support the learning and success of all students.
Successful Peer Models demonstrate the ability to:
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Participate in age-appropriate classroom routines and activities
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Separate from a parent or guardian with minimal support
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Engage in play independently and with other children
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Interact and communicate with peers and adults in a variety of classroom settings
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Communicate wants and needs with adults and other children
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Understand and respond to simple directions and questions
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Participate safely in classroom and playground activities
Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Preschool Peer Model Application.
Step 2: Classroom Visit
Families selected to move forward in the application process will be invited to attend a classroom visit. During this visit, the preschool team will observe children participating in a preschool environment while learning more about how they interact in the classroom.
While children participate in the classroom visit, parents/guardians will attend an informational meeting to learn more about the Preschool Peer Model Program and what to expect if their child is selected.
Step 3: Notification
Families will receive an email within two weeks of their child’s classroom visit with an update on their application status.
Peer Models: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of being a Peer Model?
Peer Models have the opportunity to build friendships with children of all abilities while developing empathy, compassion, communication skills, friendship skills, and an appreciation for individual differences. Research consistently supports the benefits of inclusive preschool settings for children with and without disabilities.
How are Peer Models selected?
The preschool team carefully reviews each completed application using the Eligibility Requirements and Placement Considerations outlined above. Placement decisions are based on each child’s overall ability to participate successfully in an inclusive preschool classroom while helping build balanced classroom communities that support the learning and success of all students. Families selected to move forward in the application process are invited to participate in a classroom visit which provides the preschool team with an opportunity to get to know each child in a natural preschool setting.
Can my child still apply if they have never attended preschool or daycare?
Yes. Previous preschool, child care, or structured group experience is not required. The preschool team carefully reviews each completed application using the Eligibility Requirements and Placement Considerations outlined above.
What if I’m interested in the Peer Model Program but have concerns about my child’s development?
If you have concerns about your child’s development, speech, language, behavior, motor skills, or learning, we encourage you to complete a Child Find Screening Request. Child Find is a free service that helps identify children who may benefit from further evaluation or early intervention services. Completing a screening request may begin the evaluation process to determine whether your child is eligible for special education services.
What are the program days and hours?
Preschool sessions are held Tuesday through Friday. Each session is approximately 2½ hours long. While the exact schedule for the 2026-2027 school year has not yet been finalized, tentative session times are 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for the morning session and 12:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. for the afternoon session.
Do you offer a full-day program?
No. We do not currently offer a full-day preschool program.
Is my preferred session guaranteed?
No. We do our best to honor the session preference indicated on your application; however, session preferences cannot be guaranteed.
Is transportation provided?
No. Families are responsible for providing transportation for peer models to and from preschool. Bus transportation is not available for Peer Models.
Is there tuition?
No. There is no cost for students participating in the Peer Model Program.
Is before- or after-session care available?
No. Before- and after- session care are not available.
Where is the preschool program located?
The KIBSD preschool program is located in the Central Services building (adjacent to Kodiak High School) at 722 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, Alaska 99615.
Who teaches preschool classes?
All KIBSD preschool teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree and are licensed by the State of Alaska. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff work together to provide responsive, individualized instruction that supports the unique strengths and needs of every child.
What is the class size?
Preschool classrooms serve up to 15 students and maintain low student-to-staff ratios. Staffing is based on the individual needs of the children enrolled.
What curriculum does KIBSD preschool use?
Our curriculum is aligned with Alaska’s Early Learning Guidelines and is designed to help children develop the skills needed for a successful transition to kindergarten.