What is Universal
Preschool?
The State of Colorado supports at least 10-15 hours of preschool for every four-year-old.
Licensed preschool providers can participate in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK); the program is voluntary for both providers and families. UPK provides up to 15 hours per week of preschool services for children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten.
Goals:
Qualifying factors and eligibility
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.
UPK Provider Resources
Universal Preschool Resource Bank
This Resource Bank is a collection of tools, templates, guidance, and information to help Universal Preschool programs and educators align their practices with Universal Preschool rules. The Universal Preschool rules include standards for program quality in three areas: family and community engagement, healthy development, and instructional practice. Additional resources will be added in response to the needs and interests of preschool providers.
UPK Portal Link
2025-2026 Provider Handbook
CDEC Website
Important Dates for School Year 2025-26