To meet the needs of highly advanced children who have not yet entered kindergarten, Jeffco Public Schools may grant early entrance to school, for highly advanced gifted children, with a body of evidence at or above the 97th percentile, who do not meet the age requirements outlined in Board Policy JEB. This process is not for typical children who miss the October 1 Kindergarten entrance date.
For the requirements of Early Access to Kindergarten, see JEFFCO BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY - IHBB
Early Access age requirements:
Who will benefit from Early Access? Colorado regulations [CRS 22-20-204(2)] define that a 4-year old child who is “highly advanced gifted child” may be eligible for early access for kindergarten. The child is academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature and in the top 3 percent or less of the gifted population.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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Apply - The Early Access Application for the 2021-22 school year is now closed.
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Click here for the Early Access Application Timeline
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Receive Early Access / Developmental History Form Packet from GT Office – Generated from application
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The Early Access Packet /Portfolio is due on March 24, 2021 to The Director of Gifted and Talented at the Jefferson County Education Center for priority scheduling for Cognitive Testing
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The Early Access Team will contact parents with completed and qualifying portfolios to schedule Cognitive Testing
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Submit the Early Access Cognitive Testing fee of $250 (waived for families who can demonstrate need -- see note below) to the GT office or upon check-in for cognitive testing
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Cognitive Testing will be scheduled in early April
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Students whose Cognitive Testing results are in the 97th percentile or above will be scheduled for Achievement Testing
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Notification of acceptance and non-acceptance will be sent to parents by early May
Note
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Jeffco Schools is committed to providing equitable access to programming and educational opportunities. If you require financial assistance or are unable to submit the application and testing fee, please complete this Assistance Request Form.
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The Application Deadline follows Jeffco Board Policy as well as State Requirements
CONTACT
Gifted and Talented
gtinform@jeffco.k12.co.us or 303-982-6650
Jeffco Child Find Department
303-982-7247