Universal Preschool (Spanish)
Colorado Preschool Program Overview
In the 2022 Legislative Session, HB22-1295 established the Colorado Universal Preschool Program to offer voluntary, high-quality universal preschool to every Colorado child in the year before kindergarten. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is charged with operating the program to enable families to choose from a mixed-delivery system of high-quality preschool settings, including licensed community-based programs, school-based programs, and licensed home providers. High-quality preschool has demonstrated positive outcomes for children and families in the short and long-term.
How Does it Work?
All children in Colorado can register for up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool in their year before kindergarten through Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) Program.
- Families may qualify for more hours based on a number of qualifying factors.
- 3 Year Olds should contact their school district for preschool services.
- Preschool aged children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should work with their Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) to enroll.
Register and Browse Universal Preschool Providers
News & Updates
February 29, 2024 | 2024-25 Universal Preschool Enrollment Opens at Noon for All Families!
Family enrollment in 2024-25 Colorado Universal Preschool is now open! All children in their year before kindergarten can register for at least 15 hours of funding per week towards a high-quality preschool of their choice. Over 2,000 providers have applied to participate in the program this coming school year. Read the Family Handbook or register.
Newsroom
- 2/27/2024: Coming Soon: 2024-25 Universal Preschool Enrollment
- 2/15/2024: NEW Provider Handbook + Deadline Reminder to Set Up Your UPK Programs by Midnight, Feb 16!
- 1/22/2024: Provider Program Set Up Now Open
- 1/9/2024: Updated Colorado Universal Preschool Enrollment Process (2024-25)
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More Information for Providers
Contact Us
Have more questions or need help with Universal Preschool Colorado? Contact us using this short form or call 303-866-5223.
Tiene mas preguntas o necesita ayuda con Preescolar Universal de Colorado? Contáctenos usando este breve formulario o llámenos al 303-866-5223
Note: The information provided generally relates to preschool general education. Preschool special education may involve additional or different standards and requirements. Learn more about Universal Preschool Colorado and special education.