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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I want to edit my application
but I already submitted it.
Don't worry! Your LCO can edit your application. Click here to find your local coordinating organization (LCO).
Do I have to submit multiple
applications if I have multiple
preschool children in my
home?
No, the application has a section where you can add multiple kids. Submitting
multiple applications can delay your application process.
I have finished my application,
now what?
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.
Do I need to add more than
one program choice?
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.
My child does not attend a
provider currently and I have
submitted a UPK application.
What's next?
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.
Common Questions
My child goes to two different
schools can the UPK hours be
split between both?
No, UPK hours can only be used with one provider. Keep this in mind when you
rank your choices.
Whats an Administrative Unit
(AU)
AUs are responsible for the oversight of services to students with disabilities
within their schools.
What is an Individualized
Education Program (IEP)
Every child with a disability who attends public school and receives special
education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program
(IEP)
Common Questions
UPK Matching Process
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
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.
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).
- Families who have a 3- or 4-year-old child (by October 1, 2024) who has an IEP will register in the UPK
system at upk.colorado.gov and mark that the child has an IEP. - The registration will be sent directly to the School District or Administrative Unit where the child lives for
direct placement into a location and program so that the child may receive appropriate services beginning
August 2025.
Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Special Education Administrative Units (AUs) will be responsible for the placement of children eligible for special education services. Families of children with IEPs are not able to select a program or a site when submitting their application. The application goes directly to the school district or BOCES to work with the family for placement. All children eligible for special education with an IEP will receive funding in accordance with their IEP.
Why should I take advantage
of this tuition credit?
School Readiness
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
UPP team.
- 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.
How Do I Apply?
- Applications are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic
- Click HERE for a video of the Family Application
- Click HERE for a video of how to search for Providers
* If a provider doesn't show in the portal or with a provider search, it is because they have not completed their
UPK Application. Talk to your provider about whether they are participating in UPK and when they anticipate
being ready to accept applications through the UPK Portal.
We are here to support you! Reach out to a team member through the email below if you have any questions or concerns.
crivas@mtnvalley.org
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