File: IHBIB - Primary/Preprimary Education

Kindergarten programs

The district shall establish and maintain a kindergarten program or programs. A kindergarten program may be a half-day or full-day program, and the district shall receive state funding for students enrolled in these programs on a half-day or full-day basis, in accordance with state law.

Preschool programs

All district preschool programs shall comply with the rules established by the Department of Education and with the rules for child care centers established by the Department of Human Services.

Children with disabilities

In meeting its obligation to offer an individualized program for children with disabilities at age three, the district shall provide a special education preschool program at no cost to students who have been identified as children with disabilities pursuant to applicable law.

Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) program

In addition, when the district receives funding from the state to do so, the district shall participate as a provider in the Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) program. The district shall adhere to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)'s quality standards for providers as articulated in state law and regulation.

Other children who wish to enroll on tuition basis

In an effort to offer a well-rounded learning experience, the preschool program may be open on a tuition basis to students who have not been identified as children with disabilities pursuant to applicable law or who are not eligible for the program because of the factors listed above. The administration shall develop admission procedures that take into consideration space and staffing requirements.

Adopted: March 04, 2008
Revised: January 13, 2009/ June 12, 2012/ August 13, 2013/ November 19, 2019/ March 10, 2020/ October 10, 2023

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S. 22-20-101 et seq. (Exceptional Children's Educational Act)

C.R.S. 22-32-119 (1) (requires establishment of kindergarten program)

C.R.S. 22-32-119.5 (full-day kindergarten phase-in plan)

C.R.S. 22-43.7-201 et seq. (full-day kindergarten capital construction funding)

C.R.S. 22-44-118 (full-day kindergarten reserve)

C.R.S. 22-54-103 (9.5) (definition of preschool enrollment)

C.R.S. 22-54-103 (10) (funding for kindergarten)

C.R.S. 22-54-108.5 (mill levy to fund full-day kindergarten)

C.R.S. 22-54-130, 131 (full-day kindergarten funding)

C.R.S. 26-6-102 (1.5) (definition of child care center)

C.R.S. 26.5-4-201 et seq. (Universal Preschool Colorado program)

1 CCR 301-8, Rules 2220-R-1.00 et seq. (Rules for the Administration of the Exceptional Children's Educational Act)

CROSS REFS.:  BDFC*, Preschool Council

IHBA, Special Education Programs for Students with Disabilities