Did you know that the State of Colorado will offer families up to 15 free hours of preschool? Applications will open January 17th. Learn more about what’s happening in early childhood education at the state here.
Every child in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten is eligible for half-day (15 hours) of state-funded, voluntary preschool to support their preschool enrollment for the 2024-25 school year. Three-year-olds with qualifying factors are eligible for part-time (10 hours) of preschool programming at some locations.
Are you needing to make changes to your UPK application? Here is step-by-step guide to help guide you with logging in and making those changes. Edit Family Application Step by Step guide
Visit Colorado Universal Preschool FAQ for more information and a list of family frequently asked questions.
Why should families participate in UPK?
- Participation in a pre-k environment that is rich in play, activities, learning, and positive social interactions help students transition to elementary school with a solid foundation.
- UPK Colorado will provide families with pre-k options that best fit the needs of your student and family. This can include different types of curriculum and settings so that families can ensure their child’s needs are met in their program of choice.
- Pre-k supports children in their early learning development and is an important time before they enter kindergarten.
- Early Childhood is a very important time in a child’s life when children experience the most significant growth and actively learn from the environment and through nurturing relationships with adults and other children.
Qualifying Factors for UPK
15 Free Hours of Preschool (4-year-olds)
In order to qualify the UPK’s minimum 15 hours of preschool for 4’s, children must qualify for all of the eligibility criteria listed below.
- Family must live in Colorado
- The child must be 4 years old by October 1, 2023.
- The child should not be 5 or older on October 1, 2023.
Additional Free Hours (4-year-olds)
To qualify for additional extended hours, the child must meet all the criteria below. Additional free hours will be added to your application after your application is reviewed.
- Family must live in Colorado.
and - The child must be 4 years old by October 1, 2023.
and - The child should not be 5 or older on October 1, 2023.
and - The household is low income and the child possesses at least one additional qualifying factors (see list below).
10 Hours of Preschool (3-year-old)
In order to qualify the UPK’s minimum 10 for 3’s, children must qualify for all eligibility criteria listed below.
- Family must live in Colorado.
- The child must be 3 years old by October 1, 2023.
- The child must be 4 years old by October 1, 2023.
- The child possesses at least one of the qualifying factors (see list below).
Qualifying factors include:
- Household Low Income
- IEP
- Dual language learner
- Foster/Kinship and Homelessness