Preschool helps set our students up to thrive both in school and in life. Through our preschool program, students not only develop traditional academic skills but also build essential social and emotional abilities that are appropriate for their developmental level. Participation in a preschool environment rich in play, activities, learning, and positive social interactions provides students with a solid foundation, helping them transition smoothly to elementary school.

Children must reside within the boundaries of our school district to attend our preschool program.

Preschool Locations and Schedule

Our preschool classes are embedded in several of our elementary schools, providing a seamless transition into the K–12 learning environment. These schools include:

• Grandview Elementary
• Hollister Lake Elementary
• Orchard Hill Elementary
• Skyview Elementary
• Tozer Primary School

We offer two session options from Monday through Thursday:

• Morning Session: 7:55 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Afternoon Session: 11:55 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Universal Preschool (UPK)

Through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, all children in the year before kindergarten (4 years old by October 1) can receive free preschool education. This is an opportunity for families to provide their children with early educational support.

However, please note that there are a limited number of spots available in our district’s preschool program. Due to capacity and staffing constraints, participation is limited to approximately 10 hours per week.

There are two types of entry points within the Universal Preschool application:

1. Families who meet the definition for "Continuity of Care" will be eligible for the first round of placements. These would be for returning preschool families, the child of a district employee (including those who live out of district boundaries), or an older sibling attending that elementary school for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
2. Families who are interested in enrolling their child in Universal Preschool who do not meet the definition of, "Continuity of Care," will be eligible for the second round of placements.

2025 - 2026 Timelines for Universal Preschool

• December 17- February 3: Universal Preschool application window opens for all families.
• February 3 - 10: Families must accept pre-registration matches for, "Continuity of Care."
• February 24: Families notified of first round matches. Families must accept or decline by March 3.
• March 10: Second round matching runs.
• March 24: Families notified of second round matches. Families must accept or decline by March 31.
• April 1 until the end of the 2025 - 2026 school year: Direct enrollment through the school district, please contact ec.info@weldre4.org.

Preschool Registration 2024 – 2025

To register for our preschool program, all families must first submit an application through the Universal Preschool (UPK) portal. To apply:

1. Visit the UPK portal.
2. Find and select our school as your preferred provider.
3. Submit your registration.

For further details, refer to the 2024 – 2025 Universal Preschool Family Handbook. Upon acceptance of your child’s placement in the preschool program, you will receive instructions from the district office regarding the next steps to complete the Weld RE-4 registration process.

Students Receiving Special Education Services

Early childhood special education is a state and federally mandated program for 3- and 4-year-old children experiencing challenges in their learning and development, and who meet state eligibility criteria for special education and related services.

Our preschool program reserves spots for children who qualify for these services, and families can enroll at any point throughout the school year. Our trained and certified professionals will evaluate developmental concerns through a service called Child Find. Learn more about Child Find and preschool special education.