Preschool

Curriculum

Students can interact with peers of different ages, promoting social skills, empathy and cooperation. Older children take on leadership roles, while younger students benefit from modeling and guidance. The curriculum is designed and personalized to meet the individual needs of each child, taking into account their current stage of learning and development. Activities support the development of early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Preschoolers will build a strong foundation for future learning through playful exploration.

Mission

Our mission is to create a caring and inclusive space where children can grow through play-based learning. The focus is on social-emotional development, helping kids build resilience, empathy, and teamwork skills. Involving families and the community forms a supportive network that encourages children to explore, discover, and become confident individuals.

Philosophy Statement

Play is the key to learning, enabling children to express themselves, develop essential social skills, and understand their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Every child is unique, and individuality is celebrated by offering a variety of experiences that promote creativity, curiosity, and connection. Teachers work closely with families and the community to ensure every child feels valued, heard and supported as they learn and grow.

The preschool's focus on play-based learning is crucial for children to engage with the world around them. Through play, kids can explore new ideas, develop problem-solving skills, and practice social interactions.

Campbell Cottages
10425 W. 64th Place
303.421.1119

Fitzmorris Elementary School
6250 Independence Street
303.467.7172

Lake Arbor Center
7451 W. 83rd Way
303.403.2570

Your child will be taught by teachers who are caring and compassionate. Teachers are required to have an early childhood education with completed coursework in early childhood development, as well as maintain certifications in infant/child/adult first aid and CPR/AED.

Campbell Cottages Director

Emma Seidel

I have been working for the Apex Park and Recreation District in youth enrichment, preschool and camps for three years. I am very passionate about early childhood development and the power of play-based learning to foster curiosity and creativity within my students. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Campbell Cottages Supporting Director

Kelli Scharfenberg

I have been teaching children and adults for over 30 years. I have taught preschool and art classes in both the private education sector and recreation settings. I have been trained in both play-based programs and Montessori education. My educational background is in early childhood education. I also received my large center director certificate from the state of Colorado. My passion is working with children and watching them blossom and grow. I am so excited to be returning to preschool and look forward to bringing creativity and joy to another generation of children.

Lake Arbor Center Director

Dena Traynor

I am the director of Lake Arbor Preschool. I have worked for the Apex Park and Recreation District in the preschool program for 8 years. I have been working with children for over 30 years. I received my Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate in the fall of 2022. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the same community where I grew up. I was born and raised in Arvada, where I live with my husband and 2 daughters. Watching children explore, discover and grow is one of my favorite things.

Fitzmorris Elementary School Director

Kailey Thompson

I have worked with children for 15 years in various childcare and preschool settings. I taught preschool at Hope Montessori Academy for many years and enjoyed spending time with the preschoolers. I have also worked as a private nanny for a family with four children. I attended college and earned certificates as a preschool teacher in early childhood education, and furthered that path with my small center director’s credential. One of my passions in life is to help guide children through the progression of learning in all domains of early childhood development while providing a safe and nurturing environment to help them grow as individuals.

Universal Preschool

Children who turn 4 by October 1 qualify for funding through Universal Preschool (UPK). You can find out more information about UPK by visiting UPK Colorado.

Potty Training Requirement

Children must be toilet-trained and not in diapers or pull-ups to be eligible for this class.

Dependent Care Tax ID

Tax ID: 84-601-0335

To acquire your total amount paid for child services, or if you have any questions, contact Kelli Scharfenberg at 303.467.7171 or [email protected].

Cancellations

Must be received in writing 30 days in advance to avoid additional monthly charges. Registration and material fees will be retained for any cancellations or withdrawals.

Preschool Readiness

Are you unsure if your child is ready for preschool? Here’s a quick checklist to help you determine if the preschool program is the best fit for your child and your family:

Your child is ready to be away from you for at least 3 hours

Many children and parents will feel some anxiety when separating for preschool. This is both natural and common. In most cases of separation anxiety, children will calm down within 15 minutes of their parent leaving. In some cases, though, children are just not ready to leave their parents or family for an extended period of time. If your child is comfortable being away from you for 3 hours, this is a great indication of preschool readiness for the program.

Enrollment Forms

Please email Kelli Scharfenberg at [email protected] to access registration forms. Students will not be able to attend until the completed packet is submitted.

Children with Special Needs

The admission of children with special healthcare needs, disabilities, or developmental delays, including children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs, must be in alignment with the training and ability of staff and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Services offered must demonstrate a reasonable effort to accommodate the child's needs and integrate them with other children.

The center must inform its department-approved child care health consultant prior to the first day of care of the enrollment of a child with special health care needs, if known, so staff receive training, delegation and supervision by the department-approved child care health consultant as indicated by the child's individualized health care plan.

For a child with special healthcare needs requiring intervention or medication, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from both the child's parents or guardians and the healthcare provider. If an existing individualized health care plan is provided for the child, it must be reviewed and followed by the center staff when caring for the child. If the child does not have an existing individualized healthcare plan, one must be obtained by the child's first day of care.

For an enrolled child with a newly identified special healthcare need, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from both the child's parents or guardians and the healthcare provider. If the child with special health care needs does not have an existing individualized health care plan, the individualized health care plan and all associated medications or equipment must be provided within thirty calendar days of the child's identified need.

The individual health care plan must be updated at least every twelve months from the date of the initial plan and as changes occur. The plan must include all information needed to care for the child, must be signed by the health care provider and parents or guardians, and must include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Medication and dosing schedule
• Nutrition and feeding instructions
• Medical equipment or adaptive devices, including instructions
• Medical emergency instructions
• Toileting and personal hygiene instructions
• Behavioral interventions
• Medical procedure and intervention

Disability and Inclusion Policy

Apex Park and Recreation District will make every possible effort to provide reasonable accommodations for the safety and enjoyment of all children. An inclusive camp is provided for a limited number of individuals. For a successful camp experience, please contact Kelli Scharfenberg at [email protected] or 303.467.7171 to discuss your child's needs further. Apex Park and Recreation District will provide additional staff only if notified before registration.

Please contact Kelli Scharfenberg at [email protected] or 303.467.7171 for information or assistance.

Search and Register for Preschool Summer Camp

Apex Park and Recreation District offers three licensed summer camp options for preschoolers ages 2.5-5. Half-day sessions are available at Lake Arbor and Fitzmorris Elementary School. A full-day option is available at Campbell Cottages. Parents can enroll their children for 2, 3 or 5 days per week.

Campbell Cottages

• 7:30 am-5 pm
  • June 1-June 26
  • July 6-July 31

Fitzmorris Elementary School

• 9 am-12 pm or 1-4 pm
  • June 1-June 26
  • July 6-July 31

Lake Arbor

• 8:30-11:30 am
  • June 1-June 26
  • July 6-July 31