Early Childhood
Welcome to 9-R Preschool! We are very proud of the high quality early education program we have to make the first formal educational experience for children a great beginning.
There is at least one preschool in each of our seven elementary school buildings. A certified teacher and a full-time aide lead each class of 15 children. We serve preschool aged children regardless of race, nationality, creed or special needs. Enrollment priority is given to children who are four years old by October 1st and who live within the school attendance area. We work with San Juan BOCES to provide services for children with identified special needs.
The preschool programs emphasize the development of the whole child through social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills based on the Creative Curriculum. Our teachers and programs support all children--those developing typically, and those that may have special needs in a safe, predictable, nurturing and educational environment designed to meet each child’s needs.
The classes follow the school district calendar, and meet Mondays through Thursdays for full school days. Tuition is $380 per month, but there is tuition assistance for eligible children through the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP). CPP either pays half or all of the tuition for children with risk factors to their school success.
For more information about Durango School District 9-R preschools, the Colorado Preschool Program, or to enroll your child please call Alisa Carver at 247-5411 ext. 1421 or email her at acarver@durango.k12.co.us.
Our school district also has Head Start classrooms in three of our elementary schools. Head Start is a federally-funded preschool program for children who have special needs or whose families’ income are at or below the federal poverty level. It is operated by Tri-County Head Start, and their number is 247-5960.
Other community preschool programs that 9-R contracts with for CPP slots are Durango Early Learning Center, Florida Mesa Child Care, and Fort Lewis College Campbell Center. For information about how your child can access this tuition assistance, contact Libby Culver or one of these centers directly.
Registration for next year's preschool programs and CPP information will be available at each 9-R preschool on April 19th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The student's shot records and a birth certificate will be needed in order to register.
Staff Listing
| Name | Job Title | Ext. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauri Kloepfer | lkloepfer@durango.k12.co.us | Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction | 1401 |
Early Childhood Documents
District at a Glance
- Students: approx 4,227
- Teachers: 333
- 12 Years Avg Experience
- 69% with Masters Degree
- Support Staff: 193
- Schools:
- 7 Elementary Schools
- 2 Middle Schools
- 1 High School
- Area Served: 1,039 sq miles
Our Mission
The mission of Durango School District 9-R, an innovative educational system committed to excellence, is to ensure each student develops the skills and attributes for lifelong learning and has the ability to compete and contribute in the global community, by guaranteeing equitable educational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment.
Sponsors and Partners
