- Engaged, hands-on learning for your child -
Backpack Early Learning Academy (BELA)
What is BELA?
The BELA preschool is a part of the Delta County School District. The purpose of BELA is to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment for prekindergarten children to ensure their success with future learning in school and beyond. BELA is Licensed as a Preschool by the State of Colorado through Colorado Department of Human Services – Office of Early Childhood
View or download the Backpack Parent Handbook here: English | Spanish.
The BELA Preschool is funded by: Colorado Preschool Program, Head Start Funds, Partnership with Child Find Services, various grand funders, and tuition slots.
Our Staff
Delta Family Center employs highly qualified staff to uphold important qualifications that we expect from all our teachers: sensitivity to children and parents, caregiving skills, and understanding of the program’s philosophy and practices.
Our primary caregivers ensure that every day, each child’s experience is communicated to parents - not just what the teacher personally witnessed but what others observed or enacted. Also, a primary caregiver relays parents’ concerns and suggestions to other staff.
Our teachers make sure children’s experiences in the program are positive and that parents’ concerns are addressed by continually assessing each child’s and parent’s experience.
Assessment
BELA Preschool offers on-going, age appropriate assessments including the following:
- All BELA students are offered a Speed DIAL-4 screening within 3 months of admission
- All BELA students are offered or provided referrals for vision, hearing, and dental screenings on an annual basis.
- 4 Year Old Students are offered a modified PALS Pre-K Letter Recognition assessment
- All BELA students are offered a minimum of two Parent/Teacher Conferences each year. Families will also be offered a minimum of two home visits each year.
- ALL BELA students are included in Teaching Strategies GOLD Observation Tool while under the care of qualified teaching staff.
- Students identified for special needs are evaluated using a variety of observational and evaluative tools and receive services from Delta County Special Services Child Find if services are deemed necessary by qualified staff.
Locations
Every licensed preschool/childcare center is rated on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the best:
- Delta BELA - Level 4 (Delta Family Center, 822 Grand Avenue, Delta, CO 81416)
- Hotchkiss BELA - Level 5 (Hotchkiss K-8 School, 465 Lorah Lane, Hotchkiss, CO 81419)
- Paonia BELA - Level 4 (Paonia Elementary School, 430 Box Elder Avenue, Paonia, CO 81428)
- Cedaredge BELA - Level 4 (Cedaredge elementary School, 380 N Grand Mesa Drive, Cedaredge, CO, 81413)
Admission
All students must register through DCSD prior to admission to the BELA Preschool. Additional application materials are available through the BELA Preschool Office (822 Grand Avenue, Delta, CO 81416)
- Limited number of spaces for CPP/Head Start funded spots: based on designated criteria
- Special Needs are placed in BELA through Child Find. (CSRG: 5.3)
- Documentation of child’s current health statement MUST be submitted within 30 calendar days of admission. DFC will provide referral information for families to how obtain access to medical insurance and a medical home. (CSRG: 5.2)
- Required documents for admission include copies of current immunization record, birth certificate, and proof of residence.
Admission Cutoff Dates
- Children must be 2 ½ by September 1st to qualify for the Transition Room
- Children must be 3 by September 1st to qualify for a Three Year Old Classroom
- Children must be 4 by September 1st to qualify for a Four Year Old Classroom
- Children must be 5 by September 1st to qualify for Kindergarten
Supported By
- Delta County School District
- Colorado Preschool Program
- Child Find
- Head Start
- Various Grant/Private Funds
