Preschool
2025/2026 Registration
Preschool registration is open and will remain open until spots are filled. Register in person at Secrest Recreation Center, 6820 W. 66th Ave. Online registration or phone registration assistance is available. Children who turn 4 by October 1, 2025, qualify for funding through Universal Preschool (UPK). You can find out more information about Universal Preschool by visiting UPK Colorado. Please contact Kelli Scharfenberg at 303.467.7171 or [email protected] for information and registration assistance.
Please complete the Preschool Registration Interest Form before registration. Please bring proof of your child's date of birth to registration.
Ages 3-5
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 your child to meet the needs of each child individually where they are in their learning and development journey. Activities support early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Preschoolers will build a strong foundation for future learning through playful exploration.
The structured theme curriculum emphasizes large motor, fine motor, cognitive, science, math, and play life skills. Children must be 3 years old on or before October 1. Children must be toilet-trained and not in diapers or pull-ups to be eligible for this class.
Preschools are available up to 5 days a week from 8:30 am-12 pm, or you can customize your preschool experience by selecting from the following options.
- 2-day option: Tuesday and Thursday
- 3-day option: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- 5-day option: Register for both sessions
Campbell Cottages
10425 W. 64th Place
Join us at the Campbell Cottages Preschool, where the focus is on early learning concepts in nature, and a cozy cottage model invites children to explore and learn. A reading nook, comfy spaces for story times, spaces for arts and crafts and room for block building are just some of the fun zones for learning. The outdoor play space offers growing spaces for garden boxes and exploration into nature and things that grow. Campbell Cottages has a worm ecosystem for feeding its gardens as they grow. The ambiance is nurturing and supportive for kindergarten preparations, making it an ideal environment for young children to grow, learn, and make lasting friendships.
Lake Arbor Preschool
7451 W. 83rd Way
Lake Arbor Preschool is where young children learn and express themselves through art. The focus is on immersing kids in different artistic activities, creating a lively and engaging space to explore their creativity. Children can access various materials that encourage them to develop their interests and express themselves. This hands-on approach helps them build artistic skills and enhances their critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional growth, all within a joyful and supportive environment.
Fitzmorris Elementary School
6250 Independence Street
Fitzmorris Preschool invites you to learn about this unique program. We take a whole-child approach to play-based learning, supporting every part of a child's growth. The focus is on helping children develop academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.
Children are encouraged to work together to develop teamwork, communication skills, and respect for others. Learning is focused on the child, which means we adapt activities to fit each child's interests and needs. Teachers pay careful attention to what students say, allowing them to create engaging learning experiences that resonate with the kids.
Mission Statement
The 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, allowing children to express themselves, develop important social skills, and understand their feelings in a safe and positive environment. Every child is unique, and we celebrate their individuality 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.
The directors are trained in early childhood education, have been with Apex PRD for several years, and are director-certified. All Apex PRD recreational preschools are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Campbell Cottages
10425 W. 64th Place
303.421.1119
Director Michele Horn
Fitzmorris Elementary School
6250 Independence Street
303.467.7172
Director Kailey Thompson
Lake Arbor Center
7451 W. 83rd Way
303.403.2570
Director Dena Traynor
Campbell Cottages Director: My name is Michele Horn. I have been teaching children and adults for over 25 years. I taught technology classes in a small private school in Broomfield to children ages 3-13. I was also the after-school and summer camp director. While teaching there, I returned to college and took classes in early childhood education. Upon completion, I received my large center director certificate from the state of Colorado. I began working for Apex Park and Recreation District in 2013 as the technology teacher at the Community Recreation Center. I have been the director at Campbell Cottages since March 2015.
Lake Arbor Director: My name is Dena Traynor. I am the director of Lake Arbor Preschool. I have worked for 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 be giving 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 Director: My name is 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.
Supporting Director: My name is 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. I oversee Youth Enrichment, Magical Mornings, and our licensed summer camp at Fitzmorris Elementary School. 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 moving back into preschool and cannot wait to bring creativity and light to another generation of children.
Magical Mornings
Magical Mornings is a program designed for children before they start preschool. It offers enjoyable activities that prepare them for more structured learning. Children will gain independence while interacting with others their age. The class focuses on social skills, fine motor skills, listening abilities, and basic learning through fun games, songs, crafts, and stories.
Magical Mornings is offered at Apex Center, Fitzmorris Elementary School, and Secrest Recreation Center from 9:30-11 am, Monday and Wednesday, and Tuesday and Thursday sessions. We ask parents to stay on-site to support their little ones in case of accidents or diaper changes.
Contact Kelli Scharfenberg at [email protected] for more information.
Registration for summer camp opens on January 20 at 8 am. The registration fee is due at the time of registration.
Preschool summer camps are offered at Campbell Cottages and Fitzmorris Elementary School.
Everyone deserves a fun summer camp experience. Preschool friends are no exception. Spend the days exploring structure, a themed curriculum emphasizing large motor, fine motor, cognitive, science, math, gardening, and play life skills. Oh, and fun. Children must be 3 years old on or before October 1. Children must be toilet-trained and not in diapers to be eligible for this class. Explore activities and themed topics to help children learn, play, and socialize, providing building blocks for the future: social skills, independence, confidence, academics and more. It’s one more fun step in being ready for kindergarten. Older children take on leadership roles, while younger students benefit from modeling and guidance. The curriculum is designed and personalized to your child to meet the needs of each child individually where they are in their learning and development journey.
Camps are available up to five days a week from 9 am-12 pm. You can customize your experience by selecting from the following options:
- 2-day option: Tuesday and Thursday
- 3-day option: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- 5-day option: Register for both sessions
Please contact Kelli Scharfenberg at 303.467.7171 or [email protected] for registration details or assistance.
Important Information Regarding Dependent Care Tax Information
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].
Children with Special Needs
The admission of children who have special health care 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 show that a reasonable effort is made to accommodate the child's needs and to integrate the child 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 health care needs requiring intervention or medication, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from the child's parents or guardians and the health care 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 health care plan, the individualized health care plan must be obtained by the child's first day of care.
For an enrolled child with a newly identified special health care need, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from the child's parents or guardians and the health care 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/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. We provide an inclusive camp for a limited number of individuals. For a successful camp experience, please contact us to discuss your child's needs further. Apex Park and Recreation District will provide additional staff only if we are notified prior to registration.
Please contact Kelli Scharfenberg at 303.467.7171 or [email protected] for information or assistance.