Want to learn a little more about the ECE-4 program at Swigert? Here are some of our frequently asked questions.
Do you have ECE-3?
No we only have ECE-4.
Who is eligible for ECE-4?
Students who turn four years old on or before October 1 are eligible for ECE-4.
What are the hours of ECE-4?
ECE runs the same hours as our whole school 8:10-3:10. There is no option for half days.
How many ECE-4 Classrooms do you have?
We have 3 classrooms each with 20 students, 1 teacher and 1 para-professional.
Do you have bussing or Discovery Link for ECE students?
Discovery Link, our before/after school programming is not available for students under 5 years of age. If your child turns 5 in their ECE year, they can start Discovery Link. Bussing services start in kindergarten unless your student has an older sibling.
How often does ECE-4 go outside?
ECE-4 goes outside for at least 90 minutes a day in non-inclement weather. This is usually done in 3 different recess times during the day.
Do ECE students take a nap?
Yes, ECE-4 students will be given the opportunity to rest, in a quiet, dim room, with soothing music playing. Quiet activities are permissible during this period and our teachers are wonderful at understanding the wide range of napping needs of this age group.
Do ECE students go on field trips?
Yes, our ECE classes typically go to DCPA, Balfour Senior Living, Denver Zoo, and possibly more depending on their units of study.
Where can I find more general info about ECE in DPS schools?
https://www.dpsk12.org/o/schoolchoice/page/early-childhood-education
Samples of 4 of the ECE IB units:
Meet the team:
Children who turn 4 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2026 are eligible for ECE-4 for the 2026-27 school year. All children in Colorado are eligible for up to 15 hours of free, state-funded preschool in the year before they’re eligible for kindergarten through the Colorado Preschool Program. Some families may qualify for more funding based on a number of qualifying factors.
ECE-4 applicants must submit both the DPS SchoolChoice and UPK applications. The matching process is based on the ranked list submitted through UPK (not SchoolChoice).
To apply for ECE-4, families must:
Families who do not qualify for the pre-registration round can submit their application at any time during the first matching round. These families will be notified of their matches on Feb. 25 and must accept or decline their offered seat by March 6.
The first round of UPK is open from Dec. 9, 2025 to Feb. 2, 2026. A process called “pre-registration” happens simultaneously during the first round of UPK. Pre-registration is for families who:
The pre-registration process is first-come, first-served. Families who qualify for pre-registration should submit their UPK application as soon as possible once it opens. These families will be notified of their matches on Feb. 2 and must accept or decline their offered seat by Feb. 11.
This document outlines the key milestones for the 2026-2027 Colorado Universal Preschool program year, focusing on the family registration, pre-registration, and matching rounds. It also details processes for non-IEP direct enrollment and IEP direct placement.
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