ECE

Kindergarten

Calendars

Locations

Early Education Department Staff

Goals and Mission

Early Education Department
1330 Fox Street 3rd Floor
720-423-8212 Phone
720-423-8213 Phone
720-423-8208 Phone
720-423-8260 Fax

ECE Eligibility

Denver Public Schools Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a tuition-based pre-school program for 4-year-olds. Eligibility for full-pay, partial-pay, minimum pay or free tuition is based on family income at all elementary schools that include an ECE program. An Income Chart is provided with the application paperwork from the school.

Children accepted into the Early Childhood Education program will typically attend school for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes per day, 5 days per week, following the approved district calendar.

A limited number of schools offer a program for children who are three-years-old on or before October 1st. Contact the Early Education Department or your local school for additional information on program offerings for three-year-old children.

To apply for ECE:

1. Complete the Application for Early Childhood Education and *Application for Tuition Assistance form (available at DPS neighborhood elementary schools).
2. Submit the child's birth verification (required for all students); children must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2007, to attend ECE in the 2007-2008 school year.
3. Submit a proof of address such as a current phone or public utility bill.
4. Submit the child's immunization record
5. The school may request income documentation.

Information to note:

• Children receiving food stamps are automatically eligible for a tuition-free space.
• A foster child is also eligible for a tuition-free space regardless of family income.
• Non-Denver residents may not apply for nor receive tuition assistance.
• Evidence of a recent health physical must be provided with a form signed by a licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner before the child enters school.

Head Start Eligibility-Children whose parents meet federal income guidelines automatically qualify for the Head Start program at those schools offering it. For more information, please call 720-423-8212.

*Family income eligibility may be checked at any time during the school year. School officials may ask for income verification to prove that the child/children is/are eligible for the tuition-free, minimum or partial tuition space they have been awarded.