Universal Preschool

The content on this page is aimed at families. If you are a provider, please visit our UPK page for providers for provider resources.

Universal Preschool

What is Universal
Preschool?

Universal Preschool (UPK) provides 10-15 hours of FREE preschool tuition credit for ALL children the year before they are eligible for kindergarten. To participate, your child must be 4 years old on or before October 1st of the current school year.

All children are eligible for this tuition credit regardless of qualifying factors.

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Qualifying factors and eligibility

  • Low Income (270% of Federal Poverty Limit)
  • Dual Language Learner
  • Child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place
  • Child is in foster or kinship care
  • Homelessness

4-Year-Olds

Children in Colorado can apply for up to 10-15 hours per
week of free, high-quality preschool in their year before kindergarten through Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program, also known as Universal Pre-K (UPK).

Qualifying factors will be determined through the UPK funding application and the enrollment process at the program your child will attend.

* Additional hours are dependent on available funding and program capacity.

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What are matching rounds?

Matching rounds are when the UPK system matches children to a preschool based on the family’s ranked preferences and available seats.

Families select and rank their top preschool choices, and after the application window closes, the system offers a match. Families can then accept the match and complete enrollment with the provider.

To learn more about how matching works, watch this short video.

How Do I Apply?

Start Your Application

Applications are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

UPK Family Handbook

Why Should I take advantage of this tuition credit?

Cost Savings

This program provides at least 10-15 hours per week of tuition credit, reducing your overall cost of childcare.

Quality Education

UPK Providers will use an evidence-based curriculum, go through an assessment process and engage in continuous quality improvement efforts with our team of experienced, credentialed coaches and our RMECC UPK team.

School Readiness

The goal of early childhood
education is to help students be
both academically and emotionally prepared for future learning.

What if I need more hours or tuition assistance
than UPK will cover?

Speak to your program to discuss options. Funding through Colorado Childcare Assistance Program(CCCAP), Head Start, and other local, state, and federal programs can be blended with this tuition credit to pay for as much of a child’s preschool experience as possible. After all available funding has been applied, the remaining balance will be paid by the family.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t worry! Your LCO can edit your application. Click here to find your local coordinating organization (LCO).

No, the application has a section where you can add multiple kids. Submitting multiple applications can delay your application process.

The matching software will start on February 10th, 2025. Each application will run through the system starting with your 1st choice. If your 1st choice isn’t available, the system will move through your other PROGRAM choices.

No, but remember your first choice isn’t guaranteed and is based on provider availability. we suggest you to choose at least 3 programs in case your 1st choice isn’t available, then your child will have a backup.

The matching software will work to place you with your highest possible choice. When families are notified of matches, a family will have 1 week to accept/decline. If you do not receive a match your child will be placed on a waitlist. There will only be two matching runs for placement the first one will start on February 10th and the second will start March 10th, 2025. After these matching rounds the system will then turn into direct enrollment meaning your provider now will directly place your child at the program.

No, UPK hours can only be used with one provider. Keep this in mind when you rank your choices.

AUs are responsible for the oversight of services to students with disabilities within their schools.

Every child with a disability who attends public school and receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Special education services and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are supported through a different placement process.

  • How Placement Works:
  • Families still register at upk.colorado.gov
  • During the application, you will indicate that your child has an IEP.
  • Families of children with IEPs do not select a preschool program or site during the application.
  • Once submitted, the application is sent directly to your local School District or Special Education Administrative Unit (AU).
  • The district or AU will then work directly with your family to place your child in a preschool program that can meet the services outlined in your child’s IEP.”

Speak to your program to discuss options. Funding through Colorado Childcare Assistance Program(CCCAP), Head Start, and other local, state, and federal programs can be blended with this tuition credit to pay for as much of a child’s preschool experience as possible. After all available funding has been applied, the remaining balance will be paid by the family.