The Colorado Preschool Program (CPP), operated by the Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School District and licensed by the Colorado Department of Social Services offers space for 105 children in area preschools. The program is based on developmentally appropriate Creative curriculum, with emphasis on language development.
Cortezs preschool was one of the pilot programs started in 1988 and is still going strong, with 105 slots for CPP children and 15 slots for children with special needs.
To qualify for CPP, a child must be four years old or three years old with qualifying factors for the year entering school by August 31. Children currently receiving speech and/or special education services must be at least 3 years of age by Aug. 31 of the year entering school to qualify for the special-needs slot.
The program is Monday through Thursday and is half days, following the current Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School District calendar. No lunches are served due to the length of the day, but snacks are provided. There is no charge for this program, since it is part of the Colorado Preschool/Kindergarten Program. The main program is located at Beech Street Preschool formerly Re-1 Jump Start Preschool with three other sites being offered. The current satellite schools are:
Childrens Kiva Preschool, 1204 E. Empire
Por Dia Preschool & Learning Center, 1515 S. Oak
Pinon Project Child Development Center, 300 N. Elm
Applications to the program are being accepted Thursday, May 12 through Tuesday, May 24 from 811:30 a.m. and 13:30 p.m. Upon acceptance into the program, letters of acceptance will be mailed out with information on fall enrollment.
To obtain an application please contact Melinda Martinez at Beech Street Preschool, 510 N. Beech St. at 565-7491.