The Issaquah School District would like typically developing youngsters to be a part of Early Childhood Education classrooms that serve children with special needs at Apollo, Discovery, and Sunset elementary schools.

Each Early Childhood Education classroom will have up to 12 children with special needs and at least three typically developing peers — who will pay no cost to participate in the preschool program. Research shows that such combined learning opportunities benefit both special-needs children and typically developing children. Students must be at least 3 years old by June 1, 2009, to participate. Interested parents can pick up an application and get more information at the main office of Apollo, Discovery, or Sunset Elementary. Applications are due April 13.