Early Entrance to Kindergarten
or First Grade
The Colorado Education of Exceptional Children Act (C.R.S. § 22.20-104.5) as amended in July, 2008 provides early access to educational services for kindergarten and first grade students to meet the unique needs of the highly advanced gifted child. It does not permit early access to all gifted 4 or 5 year olds. Quality preschool programs will meet the needs of most gifted children. The child who may benefit from Early Access is academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature, in the top 2% of the gifted peer group, motivated to learn, and ready to begin school.
Parents or guardians start the process for Early Access to kindergarten or first grade by filling out the district's application (below). This application includes samples of student's work in math, writing, and drawing. An Early Access Survey should be completed by the parent and preschool teacher or other adult who knows the child well. Applications will be available for the 2012-2013 school year in March 2012.
There will be an informational meeting for parents about this program and how to apply on February 29, 2012 in room 128 of the Thompson School District administration building at 6:00pm.
Early Access Process Overview
Step 1
Obtain and complete an application from The TSD Gifted and Talented Office.
Step 2
Testing performed by district personnel. No fees for testing.
Step 3
Review of portfolio by designated review committee including a District Administrator, Gifted and Talented staff and Early Childhood educators.
Step 4
Notification of Early Access decision to parent/guardian and school.
Timeline for 2012-2013
| Early Access Timeline | Portfolio Submission Due Date | District Testing Window Begins | Body of Evidence Review by Committee | Notification calls and letters of acceptance sent to parent/guardians |
| For those residing in district prior to April 9, 2012 | Monday, April 9, 2012 | Week of April 16, 2012 | Friday, May 11, 2012 | Wednesday, May 16, 2012 |
| For those moving into the district between April 9 and August 9, 2012 | Monday, August 6, 2012 | Tuesday, August 7, 2012 | Friday, August 10, 2012 | Monday, August 13, 2012 |
