Apply for ECE Programs/Preschool

Early Head Start

Calling all families with children ages 0-3, and all pregnant women! PSD has several openings 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
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. Poudre School District’s 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 (see 2020-2021 Federal Income 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)

Preschool

PSD Early Childhood Education offers high-quality programs that help young children get ready for kindergarten.

Preschool is offered in 21 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.

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
Half day or limited full day options are available Mon-Thu
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)

2020-2021 Federal Income Guidelines

Family Size	100%	130%	185%	260%
1	12,760.00	16,588.00	23,606.00	33,176.00
2	17,240.00	22,412.00	31,894.00	44,824.00
3	21,720.00	28,236.00	40,182.00	56,472.00
4	26,200.00	34,060.00	48,470.00	68,120.00
5	30,680.00	39,884.00	56,758.00	79,768.00
6	35,160.00	45,708.00	65,046.00	91,416.00
7	39,640.00	51,532.00	73,334.00	103,064.00
8	44,120.00	57,356.00	81,622.00	114,712.00
Each additional member	4,480.00

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

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
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

2020-2021 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
$3,825 or $425 per month for 9 months for a 3 hour and 30 minute class
Any age-eligible child may apply for a tuition-based placement

The following 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 soon! PSD Early Childhood began accepting applications at the Fullana Learning Center on January 6.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communication about placements may be later.

Phases	Communication about Placement
I. Early Application * January 6 - February 28	by April 10
II. Application* March 1 - Last day of School (May 19)	by June 10
III. Delayed Application* May 20 - August 1	Prior to the first day of school
IV. Ongoing Year-Round Application* Anytime after August 2	Varies based by volume & site requested. (10-15 business days to process application, placement date unknown based on request)

*This applies to COMPLETE original applications, COMPLETE re-enrollment packets, classroom change requests, data changes/address changes.

*Eligibility and Placements within certain funded sources are limited.

Apply for the 2020-21 school year

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

Applications and Enrollment Packet:

For Returning 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, baptismal certificate, military ID 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.