What is Colorado Universal Preschool?
Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) is a state-run program that aims to ensure all children across Colorado have access to high-quality preschool in the year before kindergarten. Colorado Universal Preschool is overseen by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC).
At what age can children benefit from Colorado UPK?
Colorado Universal Preschool currently provides up to 15 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool for children in their year before kindergarten. It also provides preschool funding for qualifying 3-year-olds and children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
What role does DPP play in Colorado Universal Preschool?
Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is the city and county of Denver’s Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Colorado Universal Preschool, building on our longstanding success and streamlining the process for Denver families and providers. Count on DPP as your Denver-area Colorado UPK resource.
How do Colorado UPK and DPP benefit Denver families?
DPP tuition credits can be combined with other programs like Colorado Universal Preschool, Head Start, and Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for maximum savings. DPP tuition support also covers additional preschool hours and summer programming tuition, which is not currently offered by Colorado UPK for most families.
Colorado Universal Preschool and Denver Preschool Program provide Denver families with preschool tuition support, making high-quality preschool more affordable and accessible for everyone.
Comparing Colorado UPK and DPP
Colorado Universal Preschool
- Statewide program in Colorado
- First began offering tuition credits for the 2023-2024 school year
- Available during the school year (August-May)
- Offers funding for time spent in the classroom
- Funded by the State through a nicotene tax
Denver Preschool Program
- City and county-wide program in Denver and Denver County
- First began offering tuition credits in 2007
- Available year-round
- Provides funding for afterschool and summer programs as well as classroom time
- Funded by the City of Denver through a dedicated sales tax
For Denver Families With Colorado UPK Questions
For Denver Families With Colorado UPK Questions
DPP has a dedicated team to support Denver families with Colorado UPK. Call us at (720) 221-8500 to leave a message, and we will return your call within 24 hours. You may also email denverupk@dpp.org. We also recommend subscribing to our quarterly newsletter, Family Dispatch, via this subscriber form.
For Denver Preschool Providers with Colorado UPK Questions
Preschool providers can subscribe to our monthly Colorado Universal Preschool provider emails via our subscriber form. We also hold monthly town halls for Denver providers participating in Colorado UPK and you can contact Diana Herrera, DPP’s UPK Program Manager, at diana@dpp.org or 720-287-5055 ext. 190.
How to Apply For Colorado UPK Tuition Assistance
The first step in applying for Colorado Universal Preschool support is finding a preschool that works best for your family. Then, you will apply for Colorado UPK, enroll in a participating preschool, and, last, apply for DPP tuition credits.
Families applying for Denver Public Schools (DPS) should learn more about their process on the DPS SchoolChoice website. Families choosing to enroll their child in a school district may need to complete two applications: 1. The Colorado UPK application; 2. The school district application.
Read our blog post for more detailed information about applying for Colorado UPK for the 2025-2026 school year.
FAQs about Colorado UPK
Check out the most frequently asked questions about Colorado Universal Preschool on our FAQ page.
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