DMUSD's Leap Ahead is an early intervention program with enrollment eligibility limited to foster, students experiencing homelessness, and low-income eligible students who are 4 years of age by September 1 of the school year.

 

The program’s curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Instruction features play-based and hands-on experiences with peers to engage students in school and learning, further developing their academic and social skills. The program supports the development of language, literacy, and early math skills, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional growth. A typical Leap Ahead school day includes morning circle time, small-group and whole-group activities that focus on both academic and social skills, read-alouds, morning and afternoon recess, a snack, and lunch. 

 

After-school childcare is available through DMUSD’s After School Program.

 

Leap Ahead is a 5-day-a-week program.  Hours are 8:00 am - 1:45 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and 8:00 am - 12:30 pm each Wednesday.  The Leap Ahead program follows the same DMUSD academic calendar.

 

Leap Ahead eligibility includes a low-income requirement based on California’s State Preschool Program income guidelines. We use the CDE’s income ceilings, including the ‘15 % above’ threshold, to determine income eligibility for families.

 

If you believe your child may be eligible for this program in 2026-2027, please complete this 2026-2027 Leap Ahead Application.

 

For questions about Leap Ahead enrollment, please contact Justine Stacy at jstacy@dmusd.org or 858-755-9301 x3688.