Colonial Early Education Program (CEEP)

Preschool Information:

• CEEP is licensed by the DE Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), and all staff are DEEDs certified via the DE Department of Education. CEEP follows the inclusion model, meaning children with and without disabilities are included in all of our classrooms and are engaging in activities side-by-side, all day, every day. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), “Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society. The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential. The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high quality early childhood programs and services are access, participation, and supports.”
• All CEEP classrooms have a lead teacher, one or more paraeducators, and the support of occupational, physical, and speech/language therapists.  Student to staff ratios in each classroom follow OCCL regulations. Itinerant service providers, who are teachers and therapists, work with children with identified disabilities at community preschools, child care centers, and Head Start centers.

Children with Disabilities:

• To register a child with an IEP, call our main office, visit Colwyck, or email Erin Kirby at erin.kirby@colonial.k12.de.us. Mrs. Kirby will direct you to one of our Special Education Coordinators.  To make a referral for a special education evaluation, contact our Colonial Child Find Team via phoine at 302-429-4088 or via email at childfind@colonial.k12.de.us.  To learn about the preschool special education evaluation process, watch this video.

Children without Disabilities:

Parents/guardians of children without disabilities must complete an online application by clicking on “PRESCHOOL APPLICATIONS” on this page. To attend CEEP, children without disabilities must reside in Colonial School District or have a parent/guardian who works for Colonial School District. Families must receive an “Invitation” to CEEP prior to completing registration documents. Unfortunately, not all applicants will be Invited, as space is limited. If Invited, children without disabilities must be transported by their families. and are funded in one of three ways.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

1. Tuition, Purchase of Care (POC), and State Funded Early Care & Education Program (SFECEP) Information for Children without Disabilities:
2. *** 1/2 day 3s tuition is $200 per month for 10 payments = $2,000 per year
3. *** Full-day 4s tuition is $400 per month for 10 payments = $4,000 per year
4. *** Purchase of Care (POC) is State of Delaware Child Care subsidy. Families can apply by visiting Delaware ASSIST at https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/  
5. *** State Funded Early Care & Education Program (SFECEP) slots are for full-day 4s only, and are FREE for income eligible children.