PreSchool

Ute Pass Elementary School Information

  2024-2025 UPES Preschool Application
Thanks for your interest in our preschool at Ute Pass Elementary School!
Check out the resources below for information about our program and application process.

Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK)
Last April, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that works towards “every child in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten is eligible for half-day (15 hours), state-funded, voluntary preschool beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Three-year-olds with qualifying factors are eligible for part-time (10 hours) preschool programming. Families of children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten with certain qualifying factors, are eligible for an additional 15 hours stacked on top of the half-day programming, bringing those children to full-day programming.”

Manitou Springs Elementary School and Ute Pass Elementary School will continue to offer our exceptional preschool programs for both three-year-olds and students that are in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten.
Information for families.

Starting January 17, 2023, families will be able to submit an application through the state-wide Universal Preschool System for the 2023-24 school year.
Here is the link to the application: https://upk.colorado.gov/

Email for more information.
[email protected]


UPES Preschool Application & Enrollment Process

Enrollment
We have a limited capacity for 15 children in our preschool class. Positions are filled first by in-district children, prioritizing children with special needs and those who qualify for the Colorado Preschool Program, along with considerations such as balancing girl/boy ratio, age ratio, risk factors, etc. There is no enrollment guarantee, as preschool is currently an optional program.
Out-of-district applicants will be placed on a waiting list and notified in August if space is available.

Half Day and Full day spots are available.

Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1st and fully potty trained.

Application
To be considered for the program, please complete the online MSSD14 New Student Preschool Registration. The New Student Registration Portal will be available beginning in early March.

Application

Completion of the New Student Preschool Registration does not guarantee enrollment.

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The first round of notifications of a position in the UPES preschool program will begin the last week of April. The second round of decisions will be made in early August.

Accepted families will need to submit the following items via email or to the UPES front office to UPES Registrar, Teri Dudley [email protected], before attending class:

• Copy of child’s birth certificate

• Proof of residence (examples include): Warranty deed, Deed of Trust, or Bill of Sale on your home showing a closing date within the past 60 days. Current signed lease or rental agreement not expiring within 60 days. Current utility, phone (not cell) or water bill.

• Updated immunizations or waiver signed by a medical professional
• Current physical

Philosophy
The Ute Pass Preschool creates a safe environment for all children and their families. We are an inclusive preschool which serves children ages three through five. Our dynamic, play-based program offers diverse opportunities for children to engage with their classroom both independently and with the guidance of their teachers. As students explore the classroom learning centers such as dramatic play, art, science, math, and writing, their growth across all developmental domains is supported.

To encourage and celebrate independence and social development, our daily schedule includes extended play time both inside the classroom and outside on our large playground. Community snack time and circle activities provide additional opportunities to share, interact, and problem solve. In addition, walking field trips and relationships with local businesses allow us to engage with the world around us.

We believe that the education of our children is a collaborative effort and as such, we highly value the trust and expertise that our families provide to support our students and our staff as we build strong partnerships in the classroom and community.

Preschool Days and Hours
Half-Day 7:55am – 11:00am Monday through Thursday
Full-day 7:55am - 2:50pm Monday through Thursday

The preschool follows the Manitou Springs School District calendar, including all designated District 14 holidays, conferences, professional development days, and closings for inclement weather.
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