Far from being a mere “option” before a child formally begins the educational journey, preschool is a research-proven way to ensure that when that journey begins, a child who meets the requirements of the program has a strong foundation that can serve as a springboard for success.
In addition to preparing children for Kindergarten, and easing that adjustment, preschool can help children advance academically and develop social-emotional skills, such as sharing and being respectful, showing empathy, and dealing with emotions.
Registration is currently underway for our preschool program, which is designed to provide a quality experience for children 3 to 5 years old who face educational challenges due to family, economic or developmental concerns.
At most of our elementary schools, a child must have turned 4 on or before October 1, 2021 to be eligible. At select schools, a 3-year-old program is offered for those children who turned 3 on or before October 1, 2021.
The district has a preschool program in all of its elementary schools with the exception of Morton and Park View elementary schools and Fountain International Magnet School. The majority of the programs are all day.
To be accepted into our preschool program, 3-year-olds must have at least three legislative risk factors and 4-year-olds one legislative risk factor. Qualifying factors are determined through the application process based on the confidential information provided by the applicant.
Federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act ensure that public school early childhood programs serve children with disabilities, developmental delays, as well as children who may be at risk for developmental delays.
At D60, our preschool program is based on an integrated approach to child development designed to stimulate and develop the necessary skills in young children so that they begin school ready to learn. Art, music, movement, language, science, and cognitive activities combine in an exciting and engaging fashion.
We believe children learn best in an active learning environment that encourages hands-on exploration and experimentation, with a rich variety of materials.
Normally, the application is an interview process conducted one-on-one with a district preschool staff member. But due to the pandemic, all applications are being taken online at www.pueblod60.org/Page/251.
There, you will learn what documents must be submitted with the application.
For more information about preschool eligibility or the preschool program, please call Early Childhood Education at (719) 253-6016 or e-mail the Early Childhood Department at ece@pueblocityschools.us
