Universal
Preschool
(UPK) Colorado
(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.
1
I want to edit my application but I already submitted it.
Don't worry! Your LCO will soon be able to edit your application with you. Click here to find your local coordinating organization (LCO).
Common Questions
2
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.
3
I have finished my application, now what?
The matching software will start on april 20,2024. 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.
4
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.
5
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 2 weeks to accept/decline. If you do not receive a match your child will be placed on a waitlist. The matching system runs approx every 6-8 weeks always working to match you with the highest match.
6
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.
7
Whats an Administrative Unit (AU)
AUs are responsible for the oversight of services to students with disabilities within their schools.
8
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)
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
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.
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.
- 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 2024.
Why should I take advantage of this tuition credit?
This program provides at least 10-15 hours per week of tuition credit, reducing your overall cost of childcare.
Cost Savings
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.
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
Hablo español