Early Education
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The Early Education Department will provide high quality, developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive learning environments to ECE students within DPS. These learning environments will be supported by state licensing regulations, evidence-based curriculum, and the most current health and safety protocols. Accordingly, department guidance will be updated as there are changes and/or modifications to the best practices related to keeping our students safe and healthy.
Below you will find the department’s requirements and resources. We have consolidated all of our guidance into the ECE School Procedures for 20-21 School Year document. Please work with your Regional Specialist for questions and to ensure successful implementation of ECE procedures. Questions may also be submitted via the Regional Specialists’ Support Ticket Form.
Requirements & Resources
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ECE School Procedures for 20-21 School Year (Last Updated 11/9/20)
To support the modifications necessary for our ECE classrooms for this school year, the department has developed a detailed guidance document ECE School Procedures for 20-21 School Year. The team also compiled examples to be used when preparing learning environments inclusive to the COVID-19 recommendations for social distancing and organizing classroom materials in the School Visual Exemplar Return to School 2020-2021. The FAQs - ECE Return to School FAQs will answer commonly asked questions for implementation.
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ECE Remote Support Plan
In the event that ECE classrooms are operating remotely, schools should follow the Early Education Department's ECE Remote Support Plan.
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ECE Quarantine Process
This plan is to acknowledge that some classrooms may be disrupted due to quarantines resulting from COVID-19. Accordingly, teachers and students will not be able to continue in-person instruction for short periods of time. Therefore, schools will need alternatives to provide supports for students and their families that are aligned with developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences. These considerations honor students and their families while also ensuring inclusive and equitable opportunities. Accordingly, the department recommendations are here: Plans for ECE During Quarantine
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ECE Handbook
The Denver Public Schools Early Education Department is dedicated to leading for quality early childhood experiences in every early childhood classroom. We are committed to supporting licensing health and safety requirements at all times. Please read and refer to the Handbook and commit to the responsibilities outlined in it.
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ECE Virtual State Licensing Visits
Due to Covid-19, State licensing visits will be conducted virtually for all ECE programs. The DPS Virtual Licensing Visit Guidance 2020-21, entails the new process and the guidance to support schools during these visits. Schools that need support should contact their Regional Specialist via office hours and/or the ticketing system.
Questions?
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Please contact your manager, principal or operational superintendent with questions.
Key Resources
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Slide Deck - ECE Return to School Teachers/Paraprofessionals 2020-21
Webinar - Early Childhood Education Return to School 2020-2021 for Principals and Leaders - 8/31/20
Slide Deck - Early Childhood Education Return to School 2020-2021 for Principals
Webinar - School Leadership 2020 - 2021 - 8/12/20