Preschool Information

Manitou Springs Elementary School Preschool Program

Dear Families, Thank you for your interest in our preschool program! We invite you to learn about our philosophy and read the following information before filling out the application form. Please email Julie Lavigne at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Out-of-district applicants will be placed on a waiting list and notified in August if space is available.

If you have concerns regarding the development of your child, or your child has an active Individual Education Program, please notify preschool staff by calling 719-685-2166 or email [email protected]

Our Philosophy

The Manitou Springs 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
Morning Session 7:50am – 10:50am Monday through Thursday
Afternoon Session 11:50am – 2:50pm Monday through Thursday

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

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Child Find
Child Find Information and Process
Child Find is the phrase referred to in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) that means the identification and assessment of children who suspected of having a disability. It is the district’s responsibility to ensure that children ages 3 -21 have access to the Child Find process if there is a suspicion of learning difficulties.

Child Find Evaluation birth to 3 years of age
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District #14 works with families who are concerned about their child’s development in the birth to age 3 range. The Resource Exchange (TRE) is the community entity that works with D#14 to assist families in accessing the Child Find process. If you have a child in this age range, and you are concerned about any developmental issues, please contact Julie Lavigne, Child Find Coordinator at 719-685-2166 to initiate a referral.

Child Find Evaluation 3 to 5 years of age
Families are encouraged to contact Julie Lavigne, Child Find Coordinator at Manitou Springs Elementary School (719-685-2166) if any developmental concerns exist in the following areas: communication, physical and fine motor, social and/or emotional, pre-academic skills, cognition, hearing, vision and/or health. The district offers free screenings and subsequent evaluations to children who reside within the Manitou Springs District Boundaries who may have developmental and/or health concerns which impact educational access and performance. If a child meets the eligibility criteria for specialized services, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed and the child is eligible to begin preschool the following school day (per district calendar) at no cost to the parent.

Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)
The Colorado Preschool Program is a state-funded yet district-run program that covers preschool tuition for children with risk factors that may affect their educational success in elementary school and beyond. If you feel that your child may qualify, please contact Julie Lavigne, 719-685-2166.

Please note: “Proposition EE was approved by voters in November 2020, meaning that the re-imagined universal and targeted preschool program will begin in fall 2023. In other words, we will continue to provide preschool “as normal” until that time targeting (or prioritizing) those families that qualify for Colorado Preschool Program and Preschool Special Education.”

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