PSD ECE offers high-quality programs that help young children get ready for kindergarten.
Preschool is offered in 22 PSD elementary schools and five centers across the district's 1,800 square miles. Placement at neighborhood schools or a parent's top-choice location is not guaranteed, but preferences are highly regarded and given due consideration upon admission.
How do I start?
To apply for the Early Head Start program (from birth to 36 months) or the Preschool program (for 3 to 5-year-olds), please submit an Early Childhood Program Application.
Children must be 3-years-old on or before October 1 to be eligible to attend preschool for Colorado Preschool Program and tuition based. Children must be actual age 3 to attend preschool for Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education.
For new students:
Complete the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 online! Every child must have these completed as part of the application. Surveys can be completed online before submitting the application.
Submit applications to:
Fullana Learning Center
220 North Grant Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Electronic applications and documentation can be sent to PSDECE@psdschools.org.
Items to include with your application:
- Verification of child’s birthday (birth certificate, passport, etc...).
- Emergency contacts, including health care provider information.
- Annual physical exam and immunization records or a signed State of Colorado Exemption Certificate is required for personal, religious, or medical exemptions to school immunization requirements. A healthcare provider form is available here.
- Proof of address: A current utility bill, lease (signed by landlord) or mortgage statement
- If applying for no-cost preschool, please include: Proof of income for the last 12 months such as with a Federal Tax form, W-2, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) proof of enrollment, or pay stubs reflecting the past 12 months.
Questions? Contact the PSD enrollment office at 970-490-3204.
Eligibility - Preschool
- Family resides within Poudre School District catchment area (out of district families are not eligible to apply).
- Family with a child aged 3 or 4 by October 1st for Colorado Preschool Program and tuition based. Family with a child actual age 3 or 4 for Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education.
- Half day or limited full day options are available Monday-Thursday
- Families qualify for no-cost preschool options through Head Start, Colorado Preschool Program, and Special Education factors. Families may also pay preschool tuition, see below:
Head Start
- Family income is within 100% of federal poverty guidelines – or -
- Family categorically qualifies with at least one of the following situations:
- Family is homeless, doubled up due to financial hardship, or living in substandard housing
- Family provides foster/kinship care
- Family receives public assistance (SSI or TANF)
2022-23 federal income guidelines
|
Family Size |
100% |
130% |
185% |
|
|
1 |
13,590.00 |
17,667.00 |
25,141.00 |
|
|
2 |
18,310.00 |
23,803.00 |
33,873.00 |
|
|
3 |
23,030.00 |
29,939.00 |
42,605.00 |
|
|
4 |
27,750.00 |
36,075.00 |
51,337.00 |
|
|
5 |
32,470.00 |
42,211.00 |
60,069.00 |
|
|
6 |
37,190.00 |
48,347.00 |
68,801.00 |
|
|
7 |
41,910.00 |
54,483.00 |
77,533.00 |
|
|
8 |
46,630.00 |
60,619.00 |
86,265.00 |
|
|
Each additional member |
4,720.00 |
6,136.00 |
8,732.00 |
Colorado Preschool Program
Child must be age 3 or 4 by Oct 1, a 3-year-old needs three factors, a 4-year-old needs one factor
- Speech/language concerns or child is an English language learner
- Frequent moves in the past 12 months (2 or more)
- Social/emotional concerns by guardian or others
- Alcohol or drug abuse by a family member
- Family income is within 185% of federal poverty level or falls below the Larimer County Self-Sufficiency Standard
- Either parent were less than 18 years old and unmarried at the time of child’s birth
- Living situation qualifies as homeless
- Child is in foster care or receiving services from DHS
- Reported abuse by an adult in the home
- Either parent has not completed high school or GED
Preschool Special Education
- State and Federal mandated program for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds who are eligible when they receive a diagnosis of developmental delay or other disability designation
- The significant delay can be in one or more areas of development such as communication, adaptive, motor, cognitive or social/emotional
- The Child Find Specialist and/or the PSD Assessment Team will meet with parents and the child to determine eligibility
Tuition-based
2021-2022 rates:
- One-time, non-refundable enrollment fee of $50, is due upon placement acceptance
- $3,528 or $392 per month for 9 months for a 2 hour and 45 minute class
- 2022-23 expect an approximate 3.8% increase pending School Board approval
- $3,825 or $425 per month for 9 months for a 3 hour and 30 minute class
- 2022-23 expect an approximate 3.8% increase pending School Board approval
- Any age-eligible child may apply for a tuition-based placement
These records are required within 30 days, as your child participates in the program:
- Physical Exam / Well Child Check: (Required by Colorado State Child Care Licensing)
- Infant and Toddlers ages Birth to 3
- Birth, 2 Months, 4 Months, 6 Months, 9 Months, 12 Months, 15 Months, 18 Months, 24 Months, 30 Months, 36 months
- Lead testing done at 12 months and 24 months or when starting the program. Head Start or Early Head Start funding only.
- Preschool Program ages 3 to 5 years
- Exam done yearly
- Up-to-date immunization record
- Dentist exam at least once each year starting at age 12 months with any dental treatments if your child has cavities or other dental needs
Apply now!
Applications being accepted at the Fullana Learning Center for the upcoming school year.
Application phases and communications in 2022:
- Early application period Jan. 3 - Feb. 28; Communication about placement - April 11
- Application period March 1 - May 20; Communication about placement - June 10
- Delayed application period May 21 - Aug. 1; Communication about placement - mailed prior to the first day of school
- Ongoing year-round application period - anytime after Aug. 2; Communication about placement - varies based on volume and site request (10-15 business days to process application, placement date unknown, based on request)
Notes about applications phases above:
- These apply to COMPLETE original applications, COMPLETE re-enrollment packets, classroom change requests, data changes/address changes.
- Eligibility and placements within certain funded sources are limited.
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Early Head Start
Calling all families with children ages 0-3, and all pregnant women! PSD enrolls year-round in our Early Head Start Program. Our Early Head Start Program has many benefits for families:
- Monthly PACTs (Parents and Children Together)
- Family mentor that provides educational materials to parents and child at home visits
- Center-based and home-based options
- Support for growth and change
- Learn about child development and risk factors
- Connection to community supports
Complete an Early Childhood Program Application or Prenatal Application and return it to Fullana to get the application process started. You do not need to complete an enrollment packet for Early Head Start until you have been accepted to the program. PSDs Early Childhood Education Department keeps all information gathered for purposes of eligibility and enrollment or personally identifiable information strictly confidential. Families can rest assured that information regarding their situation is not shared outside of the ECE Department or Poudre School District unless the family gives permission.
Eligibility - Early Head Start
- Family resides within Larimer County
- Family with a child aged 0 -3 and pregnant women
- Family income is within 100% of federal poverty guidelines ( Federal Income Guidelines-below) - or -
- Family categorically qualifies with at least one of the following situations:
- Family is homeless, doubled up due to financial hardship, or living in substandard housing
- Family provides foster/kinship care
- Family receives public assistance (SSI or TANF)