Note: The name of this program has been changed from "State Pre-K 4 Year Old At-Risk" to “Preschool-Aged At-Risk” to align with changes in statute.

The Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program provides school districts with funding for preschool-aged students. Each preschool-aged at-risk student who is enrolled in a school district and receiving services is counted as 0.5 FTE in calculating a district’s enrollment and accompanying weightings. Districts are encouraged to create integrated programs that include all students and to develop strong community partnerships.

The Preschool-Aged At-Risk Approval form for the 2023-2024 school year is now available. All 3-and 4-year-old students who meet at least one of the at-risk criteria, are enrolled and attending on count date, and are in an approved program will be funded at .5 FTE.  All programs who wish to be funded must complete and submit the Preschool-Aged At-Risk Approval Form by April 3^rd to be approved by the Kansas Board of Education.

Related Materials 2023-2024
2023-2024 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Approval Form (external link)
2023-2024 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and Assurances (Updated July 31, 2023) (PDF)

Related Materials 2022-2023
2022-2023 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Approval Form(external link)
2022-2023 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and Assurances-Feb 28, 2022 (PDF)

Foundations for School Success (FSS)
FSS User's Guide 2021
FSS Information Sheet
Step by step guide for FSS PreK Surveys

Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines the federal preschool program which guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to children with disabilities age 3 through 5. Under this program preschool children who have disabilities are entitled to Special Education and Related Services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The IDEA Preschool Program (Section 619) supports education services for young children with disabilities when they turn 3. It addresses individual needs within the context of developmentally appropriate activities, including early learning experiences in language, pre-reading and writing skills, play, and other social emotional areas.

Early Childhood Special Education Part B Contact List for Indicators 6, 7 & 12

The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of IDEA) is a federal grant program that assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, ages birth through age 2 years, and their families. Kansas Infant Toddler Services (authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA Part C) is administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Part C Contacts/ Infant/Toddler services locattions (external link)
Kansas Infant-Toddler Services (external link)

Special Education evaluation teams are urged to consider a general education preschool environment whenever possible due to the preponderance of research documenting the positive outcomes for both children with disabilities as well as for children without disabilities.

Joint Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs (external PDF)
U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter (external PDF)

Children with IEPs will not generate Preschool-Aged At-Risk funding, but will generate the equivalent of 0.5 FTEs of Special Education funding. The appropriate teacher-to-child ratio must be maintained (not to exceed 20 students per classroom with a ratio of 1:10).

Early Childhood Special Education Resources

are available on the Kansas State Department of Education/Kansas Technical Assistance Systems Network KSDE/TASN website 
under the TASN project tab: Early Child Special Education.

The compiled resources are organized into the 3 ECSE indicators:
Indicator 6: Preschool Environments (external link)
Indicator 7: Early Childhood Outcomes (PDF)
and Indicator 12: C to B transitions(external link)

It also has a section dedicated to resources specially for ECSE administrators (external link) including indicator fact sheets,
Kansas Integrated Accountability System (KIAS) resources, and ECSE funding resources.

Please contact with Amanda Petersen (apetersen@ksde,org) with any questions.

Information Regarding Kansas PartB/619 Early Childhood Special Education Data/ KSDE SPP/APR webpage
Indicator 6: Preschool Environments resources 
Indicator 7: Early Childhood Outcomes/Outcome Web System 
Indicator 12: Transition from C to B

Technical Assistance Requests/Packets
Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) (external link)
Kansas Inservice Training System (KITS) (external link)

Additional Resources for Parents
Families Together Inc. (external link)
Parent's Rights 
Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (external link)

Kansas Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services (State Interagency Coordinating Council) (SICC)

This council is responsible for advising and assisting the Kansas governor and legislature on matters that impact Kansas families with children ages BIRTH to FIVE who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. Visit www.kansasicc.org (external link) for additional information.

Guidance for Educators

Where Can Early Childhood Educators Look For Employment? (PDF)
Early Childhood Programs/Settings Acceptable as "Accredited Experience" Related to Licensure Upgrade/Renewal (PDF)

Guidance for Administrators

Who Can I Hire as a Teacher/Early Interventionist (PDF)
Which Kansas License works in which Early Childhood Education Setting for Categorical Aid? (PDF)