Can I still apply for Universal Preschool Colorado and Denver Preschool Program tuition support?

As the dog days of summer are upon us, you might be wondering whether or not your 4-year-old can still apply for Universal Preschool Colorado. The great news is YES! There’s still time to benefit from Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), a statewide program for every 4-year-old in the year before they start kindergarten. And, if you live in the City or County of Denver, your child can apply for and benefit from Denver Preschool Program (DPP) support year-round! Keep reading to learn more about how to apply.

How to apply for Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) for the 2025-2026 school year

To apply for universal preschool Colorado for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, families can directly enroll with the preschool provider of your choice as long as they have availability. 

Page 24 of the Colorado UPK Family Handbook for 2025-2026 outlines how to directly apply with a Colorado UPK preschool provider. They recommend the following: 

• Reach out and talk to providers you’re interested in to discuss enrolling your eligible child. 
• Review and update your Colorado UPK application (or create an application, if you haven’t done so already).  
• Choose your top 1-2 providers in your application.
• Submit your application. 
• Receive acceptance from your provider and accept or decline. 
• Complete the enrollment process with your chosen provider. 

All of the above steps can be completed in real time, so many families choose to do the process while visiting their chosen preschool provider. 

For more information about Colorado UPK and eligibility requirements, visit our Colorado UPK page. 

How to apply for DPP tuition support for the 2025-2026 school year

Denver Preschool Program offers preschool tuition support year-round, so families can apply for and receive benefits anytime! If you haven’t already done so, start by: 

• Determining your child’s eligibility 
• Finding a preschool 

Then enroll your child in the preschool of your choice, submit your application for DPP tuition support (many of DPP’s approved preschool providers automatically submit your DPP tuition credit application as part of your enrollment process with them), and start saving on your preschool costs. It’s that easy! A detailed overview of the DPP application process  can be found on our Get Tuition Assistance page.

How to stay informed about preschool tuition support and activities

Keeping on top of tuition support details and deadlines can be overwhelming. By signing up for DPP’s Family Dispatch, our monthly newsletter, and following DPP on Instagram, you won’t miss a beat when it comes to saving on preschool costs, tips for helping your child learn and grow, local events and activities, and more.