Questions

We use the framework of Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum in our classrooms as well as the Pyramid Model for teaching social skills. Both of these are research-based and developmentally appropriate for children ages 3 to 5. Building relationships with families and children is the foundation of our curriculum. The classroom environment is set up with a variety of interest areas and children spend a significant portion of their day learning through play. We align our curriculum district-wide using Preschool through grade 12 state academic standards as well as meeting the federal Head Start Child Outcomes.

We have many early childhood programs throughout the district. All classrooms serve children from all funding sources. See a map of our locations.

The first step is to complete an application and online registration. The next steps include a developmental screening (set up by us) and submission of required paperwork. Paperwork required includes; birth certificate, immunizations, current physical, proof of residence, income verification, and a paperwork packet provided by us. The requested paperwork must be completed and submitted to the office at Stansberry Early Childhood before your child may begin attending preschool.

Children who qualify for Head Start, Universal Preschool, or Special Education are placed in the program sometime in May and notifications go out by email soon thereafter. Following the first round of placements, ongoing placements occur throughout the summer and fall. Please note, that placement in our program is based on many factors and is not determined on a first come first serve basis.

We serve children who qualify for Head Start, Universal Preschool, Special Education, and those who pay tuition. There will be children in each classroom who have an identified disability as all children are served in our integrated early childhood classrooms. If needed, we hire additional classroom staff to support the needs of children. We believe that children of all abilities and backgrounds benefit from learning together in an integrated classroom setting.

Our classrooms are taught by a lead teacher who has at least a Bechelor's Degree in Education and is also licensed by the Colorado Department of Education as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT). Many of our teachers also have their Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education.

In addition to the lead teacher, every classroom has at least one paraprofessional who is Early Childhood Teacher Qualified. Speech and Occupational Therapists also work in the classroom on a regular basis. A lunch aide assists in serving lunch. Our Early Childhood Coordinator staff frequently go in and out of classrooms to provide support, feedback, coaching, and to get to know the children and families enrolled in the program.

Family Engagement Specialists work with families and children who qualify for our Head Start program.

Background checks are completed on all staff including substitutes who come into the classroom.

We work with the district nutritional services department to provide food to our students. We eat family-style, with all children participating in the hot lunch program unless there are specific dietary or medical restrictions.

The 3-hour program provides breakfast or snack and the 3½-hour program provides both breakfast/snack and lunch.

At the beginning of the year, we have a home visit as a part of the transition to preschool. During the school year, we have two parent-teacher conferences. Families will receive a progress report outlining their child’s strengths and next steps during these meetings.

Teachers are always available to meet with families on an as-needed basis.    

Yes! We encourage all parents to volunteer in or out of the classroom.

We ask all volunteers to register with TSD and complete a background check. Begin the registration process.

We have both AM and PM options that hold classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Our full-day classes also meet on Wednesdays.

No, children begin our program at many different points in their potty-training experience. Our staff is very skilled at supporting this process.

No. It is helpful for each child to have their own backpack, water bottle, and a spare change of clothes in case of accidents. Occasionally teachers will post a classroom wish list, but nothing is required.