Universal Preschool (UPK) at WHALE

WHALE Respite Center is proud to participate in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK). We are committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive preschool experience that supports every child's growth through developmentally appropriate learning, family partnerships, and individualized support.

High-Quality Curriculum

At WHALE, we use Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum which supports literacy, language, math, science, social studies, creative arts, social-emotional development, and physical development. Learning is play-based and instruction is individualized based on each child's strengths, interests, and developmental progress.

Developmental Screenings

At WHALE Respite Center, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Early identification of developmental strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful allows children and families to access resources as early as possible.

As part of our commitment to high-quality, inclusive care, WHALE can assist families in accessing developmental screenings and community resources when appropriate. Screening opportunities may include:

Developmental Screening
Vision Screening
Hearing Screening
Dental Screening
General Health Screening
Language Screening
Cognitive Screening
Social-Emotional Screening

Developmental screenings are designed to identify children who may benefit from additional evaluation or support services. Participation in screening is voluntary, and families will always be informed before any screening or referral is initiated.

When a screening or other information suggests that additional evaluation or services may be beneficial, WHALE will work collaboratively with families to provide information, discuss available resources, and assist with referrals to appropriate community providers. These may include Early Intervention (Colorado Early Intervention), Child Find, pediatric specialists, therapy providers, behavioral health professionals, vision or hearing specialists, dental providers, or other community resources based on your child's individual needs.

When appropriate, referrals and coordination of services will begin within 45 days of enrollment to help ensure children receive timely support and access to available resources.

Our goal is to partner with families every step of the way by providing guidance, resources, and connections that support each child's growth, development, and success.

Mental Health and Behavioral Support

Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Well-Being

Children's social and emotional development is an important part of overall health and learning. WHALE is committed to creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

When children experience challenges with emotions, behavior, or social interactions, WHALE works collaboratively with families to identify supports that promote success both at home and in the classroom.

Resources available to families may include:

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
Behavioral Health Providers
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Parent Coaching
Community Mental Health Resources
Crisis Resources (when appropriate)

Families may request assistance locating behavioral health resources at any time.

Therapy & Community Resources

Connecting Families with Services

Every child develops differently, and some children benefit from additional therapeutic services. WHALE partners with families to help connect them with qualified community providers based on their child's individual needs.

Resources may include:

Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Feeding Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Pediatric Specialists
Early Intervention (Birth to Three)
Child Find (Ages Three and Older)

Our team is happy to provide information about available community resources and assist families with referrals when appropriate.

Family Partnerships

Working Together for Your Child's Success

At WHALE, families are an essential part of every child's educational journey. We believe children achieve the greatest success when families and educators work together through open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making.

Families are encouraged to:

Participate in parent-teacher conferences
Communicate regularly with classroom staff
Share goals and priorities for their child
Participate in Family Team Meetings when appropriate
Volunteer at WHALE events
Attend family activities and educational opportunities
Ask questions and provide feedback throughout the year

Our goal is to build strong partnerships that support every child's learning, development, and well-being.

Celebrating Family Culture

WHALE celebrates the unique backgrounds, cultures, traditions, languages, and experiences of every family we serve.

Families are encouraged to share family traditions, cultural celebrations, languages, books, music, recipes and foods, holiday customs, and family stories. These experiences enrich our classrooms and help children develop appreciation, respect, and understanding for one another. We believe diversity strengthens our community and creates meaningful learning opportunities for everyone.

Translation & Language Support

WHALE is committed to communicating with every family in a way that is respectful, accessible, and understandable.

Families may request:

Spanish interpretation
Translation of written materials
Assistance completing enrollment forms
Language support during meetings
Other reasonable language accommodations

Whenever possible, these services are provided at no cost to families. If you need language assistance, please let us know. We are happy to help.

Family Feedback

Your Voice Matters

Your feedback helps WHALE continue to grow and improve.

Families are encouraged to share suggestions, compliments, questions, or concerns throughout the year. Opportunities for feedback include:

Parent surveys
Parent-teacher conferences
Family Team Meetings
Conversations with classroom staff
Meetings with leadership
Email or phone communication

Feedback is reviewed regularly as part of WHALE's continuous Quality Improvement Program and helps guide future planning, training, and program enhancements.

Families participating in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) may also receive surveys from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) regarding their experiences with preschool services.