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 Early Education

Apply To Preschool

Key Dates | Find a School | Apply | Attach Documents | Review & Submit | App Checklist

Please follow the 6 steps to enroll your child in preschool in DPS.

Step 1: Know the Key Dates

January 5, 2009 - January 30, 2009. Accepting first round of preschool (ECE) applications for 2009-2010. Applications will be available in all DPS elementary school offices or they may be printed from this website. Parents can apply to any school in the district and receive a seat based on a lottery (with neighborhood children receiving first priority) if more applications are received than there are spaces available.

Parents will receive notification of acceptance beginning March 2, 2009.

Parents must relinquish the awarded spot by March 31, 2009. By applying, you acknowledge acceptance of seat (if a seat is awarded) unless you return a relinquishment form in writing to Tuition-Based Programs. Relinquishment form and envelope provided in your acceptance packet.

Parents will receive notification of waitlist status beginning March 9, 2009.

March 2 - August 2009 (Exact dates to be determined). Accepting second round of preschool (ECE) applications for 2009-2010 school year. Parents of preschool children may still apply to any school in the district, though seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis after first round applicants have accepted. Schools may hold some spots for children who live in the school's attendance area.

Schools will send to parents notification of acceptance on a rolling basis.

Once awarded a spot, parents must relinquish their spot within 10 days of receipt of notification of awarded spot. of notification of acceptance. By applying, you acknowledge acceptance of seat (if a seat is awarded) unless you return a relinquishment form in writing to Tuition-Based Programs. Relinquishment form and envelope provided in your acceptance packet.

Apply early! Seats fill up fast!

 

Step 2: Find a School

To find a neighborhood school, or any district school, visit the map and browse through DPS locations. Click on a school name or map pin to view individual preschool options or click on a specific program type to see where that program is available in your area.

For information on enrolling a child in the 3 year old program, these schools offer programs.

 

Step 3: Fill Out the Application

Step 4: Attach All Supporting Documentation

1. Proof of child's birth date

One of the following items may be accepted for proof of a child's birth date:

  1. child's Birth Certificate (or)
  2. child's Passport (or)
  3. child's baptismal record (or)
  4. child's hospital record showing birth

2. Proof of address

Because Denver Public Schools participates in the Denver Preschool Program, all 4 year olds who live in the City and County of Denver may qualify for full or partial scholarships. Four year olds who live outside the City and County of Denver may apply to attend preschool in DPS but will have to pay the full tuition rate. All students must provide proof of address.

  1. The following are acceptable for proof of address:current lease (or)
  2. mortgage statement (or)
  3. utility bill such as: gas, electric, water, cell phone or cable bill

NOTE: If the parent lives at a home owned by a different person, the home owner must submit a letter, along with a copy of the required documentation covered above, confirming that the applying parent(s) and their child reside at their address.

Address on document should match address on application!

3. Proof of Income for the household (for 4 year olds only) (total household income must be shown)

Because DPS participates in the Denver Preschool Program, an income-based tuition reduction program, parents must supply proof of income. However, anyone unable to provide proof of income should contact the secretary at the desired school or contact Tuition Based Programs for alternatives. A parent or guardian who wishes to opt out of providing income documentation will pay full tuition should a space be offered and accepted.

Proof of income for the household must be one of the following six items:

  1. most current check stub (or)
    NOTE: Income must be for a period within 6 months of application AND must be for 1 entire month of income 
    • If paid weekly => 4 consecutive pay stubs with dates showing each 1 week pay period; 
    • If paid twice a month => 2 consecutive pay stubs with dates showing each 2 week pay period; 
    • If paid once a month => 1 pay stub with dates showing a full month) for each parent/guardian's income. 
    • If none of these documents are available, you may provide an income affidavit by contacting (303) 595-4DPP.
  2. wage statement or earnings (or)
  3. tax return (or)
  4. other work documents from an employer on company letter head stating pay rate, hours worked each week, and a business phone number and contact name

Income verification is not required if: 

  • Parent was previously approved for food stamps or TANF and have no additional income (or)
  • Parent chooses to opt out of providing any income documentation and pay the maximum tuition (or)
  • Child is a Non-Denver Resident

 

4. Up to date immunization record (must be turned in with the application)

When a parent/guardian obtains a child's immunization document, the document must be kept in a safe place and retained throughout the child's school years.

Children must meet minimum Colorado law immunization requirements as outlined below:

 

 Vaccine  Number of doses required for preschooler 3-4 years old
 Pertussis  4
 Tetanus/Diphtheria  4
 Polio  3
 **Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)  1
 *Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HIB)  1-4
Hepatitis B  3
 **Varicella (Chickenpox)  1

 

*Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): If any dose is given at or after 15 months of age, the Hib vaccine requirement is met. For students who begin the series before 12 months of age, 3 doses are required of which at least 1 dose must be administered on or after the 1st birthday. If the first dose is given at 12-14 months, 2 doses are required. If the child is over 5 years of age, no new or additional doses are required.

**Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) & Varicella (Chickenpox): The first dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine must have been administered on or after 12 months of age (1st birthday) to be acceptable.

5. Child's Statement of Health Status for Enrollment Form [pdf] (to be turned in to the school with application or within 30 days from the start of school).

The Child's Statement of Health Status for Enrollment must be signed by a licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner who has seen the child in the last 12 months.

» Child's Statement of Health Status for Enrollment [pdf]

 

Step 5: Review the Application for Completeness

  1. The application is completely filled out  
  2. The application has been signed and dated
  3. All appropriate documentation is attached  

 

Step 6: Turn Application in at Your School

Return the completed application with the required documentation to the school for which you are applying.

» Find your school on the map

 

Enrollment Checklist

Documents required for children who will be 4 years old on or before October 1 of the year of enrollment:

  • Completed, signed application
  • Proof of age
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of income
    (If income documentation is unavailable, please call contact Tuition Based Programs)
  • Immunization record
  • The Child's Statement of Health Status  

Documents required for children who will be 3 years old on or before October 1 of the year of enrollment:

  • Completed, signed application
  • Proof of age
  • Proof of address
  • Immunization record
  • The Child's Statement of Health Status*

*This document may be submitted with application or it be turned in within 30 days of the beginning of school. All other documents must be submitted with application.

©2009 Denver Public Schools