• Child Find is the process of identifying and assessing children from birth to 21 years old who may have developmental delays, be at risk of having a developmental delay due to a diagnosed medical condition, or who have an educational disability. Our team may consist of an early childhood special educator, a speech pathologist, a school psychologist, and/or a school nurse. We also provide audiological, motor, and behavioral services as needed.

  For children birth to three, our Child Find process is done in collaboration with the Resource Exchange. Please call them to make a referral at 719.380-1100. At the District 49 Early Childhood Education/Child Find office, we evaluate children who are 3-5 years old, and who are not yet enrolled in preschool. For children who are already enrolled in either preschool or elementary school, please contact your child's teacher.

  More information is on the Child Find page. 

At this time, D49 is not a choice on the state application. 

The first step to apply for an available spot in our preschool program is to complete the preschool application (either through Round-Up or through our online application). 

Beginning the week of March 13, applications for the 23-24 school year will be available online at https://www.d49.org/Page/6168. 

District 49 will offer preschool at no cost to families for students in the year before they enter kindergarten. 

Our district will provide opportunities for three- and four-year old children to attend our program based on availability. 

12 hours. 

District 49’s preschool program is Monday through Thursday with 3 hour sessions either in the morning or afternoon.  

Before and after care is not available and we do not offer a full day option.

The district prioritizes placement of preschool children who reside within our district boundaries and attempts to place children in their neighborhood school. 

Current students who indicated they will return for the 23-24 school year will be given priority for continuity of care.

• If we receive more applicants than we have available space for your neighborhood school, a lottery will be held to determine placement. 
• The week of April 10, 2023, you will be notified by email if your child received a spot or has been placed on a wait list.
• If your child receives a spot in the program, that email will serve as your acceptance letter (required for registration).
• If you receive a waitlist notification, please understand that placement of students is an ongoing process.

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

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.

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.