Universal

Preschool

(UPK) Program

(Garfield, W. Eagle, Lake & Pitkin Counties)

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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Common Questions

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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