Gifted and Talented Programming
Early Access for Highly Advanced Gifted Children Under Age Six
The Early Access window for the coming 2012-2013 school year has closed. The window to accept portfolios for the 2013-2014 school year will open the first week of December.
Explanation of Early Access
Students under the age of six who are identified as being highly advanced gifted are eligible for early school admittance. Those students who are highly advanced gifted comprise the top one to two percent of the gifted population. They exhibit exceptional ability or potential when compared to same-age children. The purpose of Early Access is to identify and serve the very few highly advanced gifted children who require advanced, comprehensive academic support. Please
click here to see a list of common traits and descriptors of young gifted children.
Information from the Colorado Department of Education on Early Access can be found at:
CDE Early Access Fast FactsProcess for Evaluation
The multi-step process that has been established by the district in identifying children as highly advanced gifted is listed below. A completed portfolio will include all paperwork along with a fee of $250. Children who do not proceed in the evaluation process after paper screening will receive a $200 refund. No fee will be charged for families who qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch program.
The process includes:
- Parent or guardian completing a packet of information (see below)
- Preschool teacher completing a portfolio of documents based on the grade level the child would need to access early (If the child does not attend preschool, an adult that is not a family member must complete a questionnaire)
- A review committee will assess the screening information to determine whether or not the child will continue with the evaluation process
- Further standardized testing for those applicants continuing in the evaluation process as determined by the review committee.
- The administration of aptitude and achievement tests conducted by a district mental health professional. (A fee of $250 will be charged prior to testing to cover the costs. Fees will be waived for families who qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program.)
- An observation to assess social interactions
- A parent interview
- Written notification sent to parents and schools
A committee will determine whether screening information warrants your child continuing in the evaluation process. If continuation is deemed appropriate, a qualified member from the district’s mental health team will administer all testing including a standardized test. Testing results from out-of-district resources may be shared in order to provide a more complete assessment of your child, however in-district testing is still required.
Parents will receive written notification as to the final determination of whether or not Early Access is a beneficial option for the child.
The child’s classroom teacher will contact parents of students who meet criteria for Early Access in order to set up a time to meet with a school and district personnel to develop an Advanced Learning Plan.