Early Childhood Programs
About our programs
Durango School District is committed to providing high-quality inclusive early childhood education to ensure that each student develops a lifelong love of learning, a deep sense of belonging to their classroom community and every child gets their individual needs met. Our program's foundation is built on nurturing and responsive relationships in an engaging environment while supporting the whole child's development. Our program focuses on high-quality social and emotional learning, play-based, inquiry-designed opportunities that follow the student's interests and evoke a sense of wonder. We embedded pre-academic content through hands-on authentic learning opportunities. We use the Creative Curriculum which aligns with the Colorado Academic Standards and complete authentic assessments to inform our teaching and create individual learning plans based on each child's unique development, interests, strengths, and needs.
Program schedule
Each of our elementary schools offers a preschool program. Our programs follow the same school calendar and bell schedule as Durango Schools. Full-day program runs Monday-Friday. Mondays are early release days.
Our half-day program is located at Needham Elementary and runs Tuesday-Friday. Morning sessions run 8-11 a.m. and afternoons run 12-3 p.m. Our morning session is designed for our younger preschoolers and our afternoon session is designed for our older preschool students.
Program eligibility
Our programs serve students the two years before kindergarten. Students who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 are prioritized for their school of residence. Students who turn 3 years old by Sept. 1 are offered enrollment as spots are available. Each class is limited to 16 students and two teachers, so space is limited. Please visit our 2026-27 registration tab to complete a Preschool Interest Form and the Universal Preschool Application and learn more about our registration process.
Program costs
You may qualify for tuition assistance through the Universal Preschool program (UPK). Please visit their website for more information: CO Universal Preschool.
Universal Preschool may cover all, half, or part of your child's tuition. All students who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible for Universal Preschool. DSD's Preschool Program does offer tuition breaks for qualified 3 year olds. We also accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds to help offset the cost of tuition. Please visit financial and support services through La Plata County for more information regarding CCAP.
Tuition rates
2026-27 tuition rates are as follows:
| Monthly Rate | |
|---|---|
| 30 hours of UPK tuition in full day program | $0 |
| 15 hours of UPK tuition in full day program | $445 |
| Qualifying 3 year old in full day program | $557 |
| No tuition support in full day program | $780 |
| Half day program | $286 |
For more information, please contact Jennifer Baufield, coordinator of early childhood programs, at [email protected] or by calling 970-247-5411, ext. 1468.
