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Colorado Springs School District 11

INSPIRE EVERY MIND

Why is D11 Preschool in such high demand? What sets it apart?
Experts in the classroom. We hire licensed early childhood teachers who are experts in child development and instructional strategies. Our classrooms also include well-trained paraprofessionals, Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists, and coaching from our Early Childhood Administrative Team.

Better ratios. D11 offers smaller class sizes with three staff members in the room. This means our students receive more individualized attention.

Premium environments. D11 provides top level furniture and materials to meet the highest quality standards.

Neighborhood Schools. Our preschool classrooms are located right in our elementary schools. Students get familiar with their school environment, school staff, and get to know the friends they will have in kindergarten.
Continuous Improvement. Each classroom has an assigned coach/mentor who supports the team with achieving the highest level of quality as measured by ECERS, the industry gold standard quality rating tool.

Standards-Based Curriculum. D11 uses a curriculum that aligns to state standards and helps students develop the foundational academic skills that will help them succeed in kindergarten and beyond. All routines are child-centered with students having the opportunity to playfully engage. We know that preschool-age students learn best through play, and it shows throughout our whole day.

Emphasis on the skills that are the best predictors of later success. D11 preschool helps students learn to regulate their bodies, their attention, and their emotions, how to negotiate, play with kindness and fairness, and how to advocate for their needs.
What is Universal Preschool?
How do I sign up for Universal Preschool?
To enroll in D11 preschool, families must complete both the statewide application and the D11 enrollment process. It’s easy!
1. Visit https://upk.colorado.gov
1. Make your provider choices and wait to hear back. All D11 preschool classrooms are listed in the system. You can select any school that meets your needs. Then, wait to hear from us.
1. Once you are accepted, the D11 Early Childhood office will reach out to you with the final steps in completing the enrollment process.
Which elementary schools offer preschool?
Most of our elementary schools offer preschool.
- Adams Elementary
- Audubon Elementary
- Chipeta Elementary
- Columbia Elementary
- Edison Elementary
- Freedom Elementary
- Fremont Elementary
- Henry Elementary
- Howbert Elementary
- Jackson Elementary
- Keller Elementary
- King Elementary
- Madison Elementary
- Martinez Elementary
- Midland (coming soon to UPK!)
- McAuliffe Elementary
- Monroe Elementary
- Penrose Elementary
- Rogers Elementary
- Rudy Elementary
- Scott Elementary
- Stratton Elementary
- Taylor Elementary
- Trailblazer Elementary
- Twain Elementary
- West Elementary
- Wilson Elementary
Do I need to choose my neighborhood school as my preschool choice?
I don't live in District 11, can I still apply?
What are the age and developmental requirements for preschool?

Age requirements for the 23-24 school year:

Your child is considered a 4-year-old if their birthday is between October 2, 2018 and October 1, 2019

Your child is considered a 3-year-old if their birthday is between October 2, 2019 and October 1, 2020

There are no developmental requirements for D11 preschool. Every child within the age range above is welcome!
I am concerned about my child's development - What should I do?

We can help! All children are welcome in D11 preschool, regardless of their skills or needs. Our classrooms provide a full range of special education services for children who qualify. We can evaluate your child to determine if they are eligible for added services (such as speech, support with play skills, etc.). If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please call our Early Childhood Child Find office at 719-520-2542.
What documents will I need to provide?
The UPK website will require proof of income in order to complete the application. Once you have been accepted in D11 preschool, the enrollment process will require:
Proof of Residence: Utility Bill (within last 3 months) or current lease
Birth Certificate: scan and upload, or a copy of a passport

Immunization records

Physical/Well-Child Exam: must be within the last year and signed by a healthcare provider
Is my child ready for preschool?

If you think preschool is a good next step for your child, he or she is ready! The goal of our preschool program is to help your child develop the foundational skills, in all areas of development, that will help them succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Our preschool team is ready to help with separation anxiety, potty training, social-emotional skills, or any other issue that might have you questioning your child’s readiness. Enrolling in preschool is a personal choice for each family. If you want your child to experience preschool, we will ensure that school is a joyful and successful experience for your child.
What will my child do in preschool?
Our preschool programs prioritize play-based learning. This means your child is learning academic, language, social-emotional, self-help, and motor skills in the context of activities that are rooted in play. Every preschool routine is playful and meaningful and allows for your child to be actively engaged rather than passively observing. Our preschool routine includes:

First Circle: engaging in playful welcome routines and reading a story while emphasizing key learning targets.

Small Group: hands-on learning of academic concepts in a small group. Each week, students work on math, literacy, fine motor (pre-writing), and social skills.

Center Time: Children choose where to play, and adults support social skills and imbed academic concepts into their play. Our centers are carefully designed to be appealing to our students while giving them access to toys and materials that will support their language, literacy, math, social, and fine motor development. Children are not “left to play” during this time; our teachers know this time provides some of the best opportunities for instruction and support.

Second Circle: targeted academic concept and music/movement

Playground/Motor: Active play with adult support for motor development and social learning

Snack: Family-style snack where teachers facilitate small-group conversation while children eat a healthy snack together.
How can I be involved in preschool as a parent?

D11 preschool LOVES family involvement! There are take-home activities you can engage in with your child, volunteer opportunities, and field trips you can join. All preschool families are invited to parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and teachers are happy to schedule additional time for conversation whenever it’s needed. Some families also organize play groups with students from their preschool class.
Is transportation available?
Do all D11 elementary schools offer preschool?
How do I know when my child is accepted into D11 preschool?

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