Navigating the educational landscape for your child can be a complex process. This guide provides essential information about student enrollment, open enrollment, universal preschool (UPK), and kindergarten in Douglas County School District, with a special focus on helping parents understand the Montessori method and find helpful PDF resources.
Student Enrollment
If you need to register your child for school, Enrollment Services processes new student Online Registration (OLR) applications for most neighborhood schools. For guidance on the specific process for your school, contact the department at [email protected] or (720) 433-0095. For Charter School enrollment, please contact the school directly.
Required Documents for Registration:
- Parent(s) Government Issued ID or a Driver’s License
- Student(s) Government Issued Birth Certificate
- Student(s) Immunization Record or Immunization Exemption Form with Physician signature or Exemption Form generated from CDPHE website.
- Proof of Residency: One of the following:
- Warranty Deed, Deed of Trust, Property Tax Notice, Signed Purchase Agreement, County Assessor Page, Signed Lease Agreement or Notarized Proof of Residency from the person you are living with, along with their proof of residency.
- Transcript, Last Report Card or Withdrawal Form (whichever has the most current grade information).
For OLR applications, ensure the above documents are available to upload in .pdf or .jpg format. Use a scanner or scanning app for document integrity. Screenshots are not accepted.
If you are unsure which school your children should attend, you can find school boundary information on this Boundary Map. For questions regarding boundary schools, contact [email protected] or (720) 433-0095.
Understanding the Montessori Method and Finding a Parent’s Guide to the Montessori Classroom PDF
The Montessori method emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. It’s a child-centered approach where teachers act as guides, fostering independence and a love of learning. Many parents seek a “parent’s guide to the Montessori classroom pdf” to better understand this unique educational philosophy and how it differs from traditional schooling.
While a single, comprehensive PDF may vary depending on the specific school or organization, searching online using the keyword “parent’s guide to the Montessori classroom pdf” along with the name of your local Montessori schools or related organizations can often yield valuable resources. Look for guides that cover these key areas:
- Core Principles: An explanation of the Montessori philosophy, including concepts like the absorbent mind, sensitive periods, and prepared environment.
- Classroom Environment: A description of the typical Montessori classroom layout and materials, highlighting how they are designed to promote exploration and discovery.
- Curriculum: An overview of the different curriculum areas (Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Culture) and how they are presented to children.
- Role of the Teacher: An explanation of the teacher’s role as a facilitator and observer, rather than a traditional lecturer.
- Parent Involvement: Guidance on how parents can support their child’s Montessori education at home.
A typical Montessori classroom with materials designed for hands-on learning and self-directed activities.
Open Enrollment
DCSD supports parent and student choice by offering diverse learning pathways, including neighborhood schools, charter, magnet, online schools, and home education. Families can open enroll in a school other than their assigned neighborhood school if space is available through DCSD’s Open Enrollment process. More information is available on the Open Enrollment page.
Universal Preschool (UPK)
For the 2024-25 school year, every four-year-old in Colorado is eligible for up to 15 hours of state-funded voluntary preschool. School district programs offer 15 hours of programming (3 hours Monday thru Friday) for all four-year-olds (afternoon session) prior to their Kindergarten year.
Three-year-olds may access 10 hours of tuition-free preschool programming (2 hours and 30 minutes Monday thru Thursday) if they meet one of the following criteria, this programming can only be accessed in the Douglas County Preschool programs:
- Household income below 270% of the 2023 poverty guideline
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Homelessness
- Dual Language Learner
- Foster/Kinship Care
UPK Colorado is administered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). More information is available on the Preschool Program Information page.
A child engaging with the Pink Tower, a classic Montessori sensorial material that helps develop visual discrimination of size.
Kindergarten
Free full-day kindergarten is offered in DCSD. A registration packet can be downloaded from your school’s website. To complete your child’s registration, take their completed packet to your school. You will also need to provide your child’s certificate of birth, immunization records, and your proof of residence (Warranty Deed, Deed of Trust, Tax Notice, Lease Agreement, Assessor Page, Notarized Letter from the person you are living with if you are living with someone and your name doesn’t appear on the proof of residency. A copy of their Proof of Residency must also be given at enrollment). The deadline for Kindergarten enrollment is June 1 prior to the start of the school year.
More information is available on our Kindergarten page. For questions about the enrollment process, contact Enrollment Services at (720) 433-0095. For school-based or curriculum questions, please contact your local elementary school.
Conclusion
Enrolling your child in school is a significant step. Understanding the available options, gathering the necessary documents, and exploring educational philosophies like Montessori are all crucial. Remember to search for a “parent’s guide to the Montessori classroom pdf” online to deepen your understanding of this unique approach. By actively engaging in the enrollment process and seeking relevant information, you can help ensure a successful and enriching educational experience for your child. Contact the Douglas County School District or your desired school directly for the most up-to-date and specific information.
