Universal Preschool
https://upk.colorado.gov
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado provides for 15 hours of preschool every four-year-old child in the year before they
are eligible for Kindergarten for the program year of 2024 - 2025.
Some three-year-olds will also qualify for free part-time preschool.
Who is eligible?
1. Qualifying 4-year-olds - Families who are low income AND have one other qualifying factor are eligible for additional hours stacked on top of the up to 15 hours available to every 4-year-old, pending eligibility confirmation and available funding.
2. Qualifying 3-year-olds - Families of 3-year-old students who are low income or who have a one qualifying factor, wishing to send their child to a program run by a school district, will not be able to select a specific school location and should select the school district where they reside. School districts will match 3-year-olds in a separate process.
What are the qualifying factors?
● A household income of less than 270% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines, when you go to apply, the application will walk you through your household size and tell you what 270% means for your family in terms of dollars.
As an example, for a family of four it will be $74,925.
● If your income is lower than 270% you will need to provide proof of your family’s income, there are many ways you will be able to do this.
● Your child has an Individualized Education Plan also known as an IEP.
● Your child is a dual language learner and the primary language spoken in the home is not English.
● Your child is currently in the custody of a state supervised and county administered foster care home or in non-certified kinship care.
● Your child identifies as homeless or lacking an adequate nighttime residence.
Apply Now!
https://upk.colorado.gov
How do I find a preschool provider?
Go to https://upk.colorado.gov and you will be able to search what providers are available based on where you live and where you work. During the application you will be able to select your top five providers and rank them.
All types of providers will be in the system from school districts to child-care centers to licensed home facilities. You will be asked if your child is already enrolled at a provider, has a sibling in a provider’s care or if a parent is employed by the provider - if any of these are true, you will receive priority to match with that
provider.
When do I need to apply?
The application opens late February/early March and will continue to be accepted throughout the year.
Local Summit PreK Funding will be available in the Spring to help with additional childcare costs, look for more information in MARCH 2024. In the meantime, be sure to get your 2023 Tax Returns completed.
What happens after I apply?
Starting in March and April the system will work to match families with their preferred providers and shortly thereafter you will receive an offer from the provider you matched with which will guarantee your child a spot.
Need Help from your Local Coordination Organization?
Contact Michelle Mahoney at Early Childhood Options.
Email: michelle@earlychildhoodoptions.org
