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.

In May 2024 the Kansas State Board of Education approved Preschool-Aged At-Risk programs for 2024-2025. Contact Natalie McClane (nmcclane@ksde.org) if you are interested in requesting approval for a program. All 3-and 4-year-old students who meet any of the at-risk criteria, are enrolled and attending on count date, and are in an approved program will be funded at .5 FTE.  

Related Materials 2024-2025
2024-2025 Approved Preschool-Aged At-Risk programs List
2024-2025 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and Assurances (PDF)

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.

Families move across Kansas during the time their children with disabilities age 3 through 5 are receiving special education services from their local school district. To contact to the Early Childhood IDEA Part B staff in the district where the child moves, please refer to this contact list. Early Childhood Special Education Part B Contact List for Indicators 6, 7 & 12 (PDF).  This document is searchable by district/coop number or name and by a staff member's name as well.

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 Early Childhood Developmental 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/ /Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services locations (external link)

In November 2023 the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released an updated Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs (external PDF). It opens with the statement that “All young children with disabilities should have access to high-quality inclusive early childhood programs that provide individualized and appropriate support so they can fully participate alongside their peers without disabilities, meet high expectations, and achieve their full potential.”

Early Childhood Special Education Resources

are available on the Kansas State Department of Education / Kansas Technical Assistance Systems Network website, https://ksdetasn.org, under the TASN Projects tab, KSDE Early Chilhood Special Education.  
The compiled resources are organized into the 3 Early Childhood Special Educatiion indicators:
Indicator 6: Preschool Environments (external link)
Indicator 7: Early Childhood Outcomes (external link)
Indicator 12: C to B transitions(external link)

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

Additional Resources for Families
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.ksde.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)