Success in school and in life, like anything, can benefit from the big launch of a springboard or an early start.

That’s part of why we love preschool.

Preschool, which at Moffat County School District happens at the Early Childhood Center, is an incredibly valuable way to help prepare our youngest learners for kindergarten and beyond. Now is the time to register.

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It’s admittedly a little bit complex to figure out exactly what your three- or four-year-old might be eligible for. ECC provides half-day — morning or afternoon — sessions for three-year-olds, and half- or full-day sessions for four-year olds. As of this moment, the plan is for the district to fund all three-year-old enrollments, and the state, through Universal PreK, is funding all four-year-olds for half-day enrollment. Many families are eligible for free full-day enrollment, but some may have to pay a monthly tuition.

Don’t worry about where you fall right now. The thing to do if you’ve got a child ready for preschool is to come down to 600 Texas Ave. and ask questions, or call director Stephanie Davis at 970-826-6280. She can help walk you through your options and the enrollment process. An additional complication is that UPK-eligible students register through one online portal run by the state (upk.colorado.gov) and others students register through the school website (moffatsd.org). Stephanie or Terri at the front desk of the preschool can help you figure this out and get your child ready for class.

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The value of preschool is hard to overstate. Whether it’s studies that show how much better early elementary students who attended preschool do or just anecdotal observation by our great Moffat County teachers, it’s clear that it’s great for kids to come to ECC.

It’s much more than affordable daytime childcare. Early Childhood Center employs highly skilled, qualified and passionate teachers who educate children according to age-appropriate standards and curriculum. Students have indoor and outdoor play, both in their classrooms and on playgrounds and in the gym area. ECC is a place ringing with children’s joy and learning, and it’s certainly the best place for your three- or four-year old.

Now’s the time to register for preschool. Don’t wait, and don’t assume you can’t afford it. Most students can receive at least half-day school at no cost, and many are eligible for more.

Come down to the office or call, and get your kid ready for preschool and for life today.