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Small Fries Preschool Registration

Rated Level 5 by Colorado Shines

A quality-rated, state-licensed, comprehensive preschool program for your 3 to 5 year old that includes a balance of play-based, child-directed discovery and teacher-led, small group activities. Kindergarten-readiness is ensured through the encouragement of self-regulation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

NEW! UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL - Small Fries participates in Universal Pre-K (Ages 4-5), offering 15 hours of free programming for children in the year before they are eligible for Kindergarten.

To learn more about the program, please contact Lisa Stratton, Preschool Education Director at 970-962-2499 or lisa.stratton@cityofloveland.org.

Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Registration:

Registration for Small Fries Preschool begins on Tuesday, February 3rd. View the activity guide for more information or contact Lisa Stratton at 970-962-2499 or lisa.stratton@cityofloveland.org.

UNIVERSAL PRE-K (UPK) MATCHING PROCESS (4's) To match to the Small Fries Preschool UPK class, you must complete a Family Application through the UPK website: upk.colorado.gov offered only in the M–W 8:30A–1:30P class.

UPK FAQ:

What is Colorado Universal PreK (UPK)?

UPK provides 15 hours a week of free, high-quality preschool to every Colorado child in their year before entering Kindergarten.
More information about UPK as well as a link to the family application can be found here.

How do I qualify for UPK?

To qualify for UPK, your child must turn 4 years old on or before October 1, 2026.

Does my 3-year old qualify for UPK?

3-year-olds can qualify for UPK through their local school district only and must have additional qualifying factors.

Are there additional fees outside of the 15 UPK hours?

The UPK classroom runs from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for a total of 15 hours per week. These 15 hours are fully funded by the UPK Program.
A $35.00 registration fee is required to be paid at the time of enrollment.

How do I apply for Small Fries Preschool UPK classroom?

In order to receive free preschool through UPK, families will need to log in here and choose Small Fries Preschool as your first priority provider.

What happens after I have been matched to Small Fries Preschool’s UPK classroom?

You will be notified that you have been matched to our program!
We will reach out to you to schedule a meeting or phone call to review the program information, schedule an additional tour if needed and answer any questions you may have.
You will then need to accept your match in your UPK family portal.
After that, we will enroll you in our program and complete the enrollment paperwork.

About Small Fries Preschool

The Small Fries Preschool program is rated Level 5 through Colorado Shines and follows the Colorado Early Learning & Developmental Guidelines to build curriculum in the following content areas:

• Social/Emotional Development
• Cognitive Development
• Language & Early Literacy
• Fine & Gross Motor Skills
• Creative Arts Expression
• Health & Physical Development
• Logic & Reasoning
• Approaches to Learning

Small Fries Preschool Class Times & Rates

Class Times & Schedule

MTW Pre-K Class must turn 4 on or before October 1, 2026

Class runs 8:30am-1:30pm
8/31/2026 - Child Orientation Day from 8:30am-9:30am
- Parents should plan to attend the Child Orientation with their student.
9/1/2026- 1st Full Day of School

FREE with UPK enrollment

Th/F Preschool Class must turn 3 on or before October 1, 2026*

Class runs 9:00am – 12:00pm
9/3/2026- Child Orientation Day from 8:30am-9:30am
- Parents should plan to attend the Child Orientation with their student.
9/4/2026 - 1st Full Day of School

Fall semester tuition - $672 (Can be split into 5 monthly payments of $134.40, billed August - December)

* Those turning 3 after the first day of class but before Oct. 1, must wait until they turn 3 to attend.

Preschool Prep Series

Preschool Prep Series - check the Activity Guide for current classes.

Parent/Caregiver Notes

Parents/caregivers are welcome to stay in the room to ease separation anxiety; however, we ask that you make an attempt to leave the room as part of “Preschool Prep” developmental readiness.
If your child is having a difficult time with drop-off, we ask that you gently say goodbye for now and let staff comfort your child.
Please stay in the building (hallway or lobby areas) so we can easily find you if your child is not calming down after a short time.
There are no restrooms in the classroom, so please be sure that your child uses the restroom before coming to class (or at least tries!)
You will need to sign your child IN and OUT when you arrive and pick them up (whether you are staying in the building or not)
Should your child need to be changed (if in diapers or pull-ups), staff will be calling you to come change them
An Emergency Contact form is required for all Prep Series classes. If attending multiple sessions, this form is only required once. A Liability Waiver is also required for each Prep Series session. Both forms are available to download on our main page and will be emailed prior to each session.

Questions? Call 970.962.2499 or email lisa.stratton@cityofloveland.org for more information.

Pre-School & Elementary Age Enrichment Classes

Art, dance, athletics and more!

Key Magia Music Classes
Encourage the development of your child's musical skills with a curriculum that captures children's imagination and builds connections between music, movement and early learning. Classes are designed to teach foundational music skills and also to promote increased attention span, impulse control and language skills.

Musical Baby (Age 3 mos - 1.5 yrs) Increase your baby's curiosity about music and establish a foundation for singing and movement while having FUN together! Includes singing, bouncing, rocking, wiggle games, peek-a-boo games and simple instruments.
Musical Toddlers (Age 1.5-3.5) Join in with other children and caregivers as we play and explore music together! Musical activities build music competency in your child as their language, motor skills and social skills grow. This class includes singing, dancing, finger plays, scarf games, rhythm & tonal pattern games and instrument play. An adult caregiver is required to attend with each enrolled child or sibling group. Full adult participation is needed to interact with and assist each child.
Musical Child (Age: 3-5) Music for the growing preschooler! Classes include singing, instrument play, scarf games, movement activities, circle games and rhythmic & tonal patterns. We will work on keeping a steady beat and learning music language for the patterns- the foundation of music education! An adult caregiver is required to attend with each enrolled child or sibling group. Full adult participation is needed to interact with and assist each child.

Chilson Pottery Studio

Use of all tools, glazes and kiln firings included in class fees. Youth classes include use of recycled clay.

You & Me Clay Series (Ages 2.5-5 & 6 -12)
Pottery for Homeschoolers (Ages 5 - 7)
Pottery for Youth (Ages 8 - 13)

Art Classes at Artisan You

Preschool Storytime Art (Ages 2 - 5)
Ceramics & Glass Fusing (Ages 6 - 12)

Dance | Movement
Beginning dancers smile, have fun and learn the basics of putting together a choreographed dance. Elements of floor gymnastics including breathing and stretching are used for warm-ups and cool-downs.