Preschool Programming
Quality early learning opportunities prepare students to enter kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success. The Kansas State Department of Education administers several programs that support preschool for Kansas students: the Preschool-Aged At-Risk program, the Kansas Preschool Pilot grant, and Early Childhood Special Education (Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)). While these programs each have unique requirements, KSDE encourages local districts to offer services that support the needs of each student in combined classrooms supported by multiple funding sources.
See the KSDE Preschool Frequently Asked Questions 2025-2026 (PDF) for support for the Preschool-Aged At-Risk and Kansas Preschool Pilot programs.
The Kansas PreKindergarten Guide (PDF) provides prekindergarten teachers, providers and administrators with common references for high-quality and evidence-based prekindergarten practices. The guide supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous prekindergarten programs. It is a companion to the Kansas Kindergarten Guide (PDF).
Preschool Funding
KSDE is glad to support districts in budgeting to support early childhood programming. The Preschool Revenue Calculator and Budget Template allows school districts to estimate preschool revenue and expenses. Contact Amanda Petersen to request assistance, including assistance regarding web-accessibility of the spreadsheet.
2025 Summer Budget Workshops - Early Childhood Funding Information (PDF)
Preschool Revenue Calculator and Budget Template Users Guide (November 25, 2025) (PDF)
2026-2027 Preschool Revenue Calculator and Budget Template (Updated December 3, 2025) (XLSX)
Preschool-Aged At-Risk
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 a ½ student (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 2025 the Kansas State Board of Education approved Preschool-Aged At-Risk programs for 2025-2026. Contact Natalie McClane if you are interested in requesting approval for a program. In districts operating approved programs, 3-and 4-year-old students who meet an at-risk criterion for the Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program and who are enrolled and attending on Count Day (September 20) will automatically count as a ½ student (0.5 FTE) in calculating a district’s enrollment and accompanying weightings.
Preschool-Aged At-Risk 2026-2027
The 2026-2027 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and Assurances (PDF) outline program standards for the 2026-2027 school year.
Preschool-Aged At-Risk 2025-2026
Visit the May 2025 Kansas State Board of Education Meeting Materials (page 508) for the list of Preschool-Aged At-Risk Programs approved by the Kansas State Board of Education for 2025-2026.
The 2025-2026 Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and Assurances (PDF) outline program standards for the 2025-2026 school year.
Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP)
The Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP) grant supplements other sources of funding for school districts and their community partners to provide preschool services.
2026-2027 Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant
The 2026-27 Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP) Grant Requirements and Application (PDF) outline the process and requirements to receive funding. The final state budget approved during the 2026 Legislative Session directed that 2026-2027 Kansas Preschool Pilot grants will consist entirely of funding from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), with no funding from the Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF). KSDE updated the Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant Requirements in April 2026 to account for this change in funding.
The Kansas State Board of Education approved recommendations for 2026-2027 Kansas Preschool Pilot grant awards in May 2026. Visit the Kansas State Board of Education Meeting Materials webpage for information.
2025-2026 Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant
Visit the February 2025 Kansas State Board of Education Meeting Materials (page 105) for a list of 2025-2026 Kansas Preschool Pilot grant awards.
The 2025-2026 Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP) Grant Requirements and Application (PDF) outline the process and requirements to receive funding.
Foundations for School Success (FSS)
Kansas Preschool Pilot grantees use Foundations for School Success (FSS), a KSDE authenticated application, for performance reporting. See the Foundations for School Success (FSS) User Guide (PDF) for support.
