- School District 49
- Preschool Overview
Preschool Overview
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The Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), signed into law by Governor Polis, does not take effect until the 2023-2024 school year. Currently, we do not have any information about how to apply for UPK. Please check our webpage often for updates. There will be an input session for families held by the selected local lead for UPK, on October 1, 2022. Please click on the flyer posted on our enrollment webpage.
Welcome to District 49 Early Childhood Education!
District 49 offers a high-quality, inclusive preschool program that serves the developmental needs of children starting at age 3 until they are eligible for kindergarten. We welcome students who reside within D49 boundaries.
Research has proven that the best way for young children to learn is through PLAY
Our classrooms are designed to support children’s learning through guided play opportunities in a nurturing and caring environment. Our students learn to develop healthy skills in social-emotional, learning, communication, self-help, and coordination.
Early Childhood Education Office:
3850 Pony Tracks Drive
Colorado Springs, 80922email: preschool@d49.org
Business hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00am- 3:30pm
(when school is in session)
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How Do I Get My Child Into Preschool?
- Students are placed by the early childhood office based on their home address. To find your neighborhood school click here for our district map. Students who reside within the boundaries of Falcon Elementary School of Technology or Evans International Elementary School must enroll through Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD Head Start) https://www.cpcdheadstart.org/
- Families must apply for available preschool openings either through our Preschool Round-Up or through our online application. Your application is active for the school year stated on top of the application. If you are interested in applying for the following year, we encourage you to attend our Round-Up Event in February. A new application for the next school year will only be available after the Round-Up date.
Where Can My Child Attend Preschool?
- Preschool locations are listed to the right.
- Children attend preschool in their neighborhood school based on your home address and availability. To find your neighborhood school click here for the district map. If your neighborhood school is Falcon or Evans Elementary your child will enroll through Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) To contact CPCD, please visit their website:https://www.cpcdheadstart.org/
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Do I have to pay for Preschool?
- Preschool services are not mandatory in the State of Colorado. District 49 provides quality, early childhood education through parent paid tuition, Colorado Preschool Program or Special Education Services.
- Tuition for District 49 is $300 per month.
- The State of Colorado funds tuition for students and families who qualify for the Colorado Preschool Program https://www.cde.state.co.us/cpp/familyinfo
- The State of Colorado funds tuition for students who qualify for special education services. https://www.cde.state.co.us/families
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What should I do if I have concerns about my child's development?
If your child is showing delays or you have concerns about your child's development in the areas of learning, speech, fine and gross motor, social-emotional or adaptive skills, you may receive a screening at no cost to you from our Child Find team.
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What will my child learn in Preschool?
Preschool provides a foundation for both social and academic skills to prepare them for life-long learning and success in life.
The most effective way for young children to learn is through PLAY - https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play. Our classrooms are designed to engage students in developmentally appropriate activities through guided lessons and opportunities for students to create, explore and interact with their peers. Our classrooms are structured to meet all areas of development through our many centers such as:
In the Dramatic Play Center they are learning:
- To act out real-world situations and explore different roles
- To coordinate and plan with others
- To follow social rules (cooperation, sharing, and interaction with others)
- To control impulses
- To process inner thoughts and emotions
In the Art Center they are learning:
- To understand and explore color concepts
- To foster creativity through sensory experiences
- To develop imagination and creativity by working with various objects and materials
- To express individuality, experiences, and knowledge through a variety of media
- To express interest in and show appreciation for the creative work of others
In the Writing Center they are learning:
- To develop strength and coordination of small muscles
- To encourage an interest in writing
- To understand concepts of print
- To form letters and numbers
In the Reading Center they are learning:
- To develop print awareness (left to right, top to bottom)
- To recognize letters and sounds
- To understand and interpret stories (comprehension)
- To recognize sight words
In the Block and Puzzle Center they are learning:
- To explore spatial concepts
- To be self-confident and patient
- To improve small muscle development
- To problem solve
- To strengthen eye-hand coordination
- To measure and compare
- To develop math and science skills
In the Science Center they are learning:
- To observe and explore the world around me
- To discover how things work
- To make predictions and comparisons to draw conclusions
- To test ideas
In the Music and Movement area, they are learning:
- To be creative and express myself
- To listen
- To recognize patterns
- To explore movement of large and small muscles
- To build strength, coordination and memory
- To form basic concepts
In the Library Center they are learning:
- To enjoy quiet moments and love for reading
- To develop independent reading skills
- To develop vocabulary and language skills
- To gather information
- To use my imagination to create stories
- To sequence events
- To take care of books
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How do I know if D49 offers a high-quality preschool program?
To ensure high-quality educational experiences for students and families, D49 Early Childhood Education uses the guidance of:
Colorado Academic Standards for Preschool:
- District 49 adheres to the Colorado Academic Standards for Preschool. These standards guide educators to develop lessons based on what children should know and do for their age level. https://www.cde.state.co.us/early/preschoolstandardsresources
Curriculums:
- Creative Curriculum: District 49 chose this comprehensive, research-based curriculum which supports learning through studies that children find engaging. Children learn through exploration and discovery to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking. http://jccsyr.org/docs/The%20Parent's%20Guide%20to%20Creative%20Curriculum.pdf
- Teaching Strategies GOLD: Using Teaching Strategies GOLD, our students are assessed through authentic, ongoing observations in all areas of development to support and propel their learning.
- Learning Without Tears: provides developmentally appropriate instruction in handwriting. https://ashleyjaynahwt.weebly.com/parents.html
Department of Human Services:
- All D49 classrooms are licensed through the Colorado Department of Human Services and follow its rules and regulations. https://dcfs.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#410000012srR/a/41000000Cg4h/Yz0MXFeo6c6IeuCcu9IZH24_bvIHdxTNbMI43gN0IIs
Advisory Council:
- D49 School Board and the State of Colorado requires, by statute, that the early childhood program establishes a preschool district advisory council. Our council meets regularly to provide input and guide decision making to ensure we are providing a high-quality program.
Preschool Calendar
Preschool Locations
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Community Partnership for Childhood Development (for enrollment at Evans & Falcon Preschools)
2330 Robinson StreetColorado Springs, CO 80904
