Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) April 2026 Update for Families
This information is directly from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Universal Preschool Newsletter / March 2026…
This information is directly from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Universal Preschool Newsletter / March 2026
Colorado families can now directly enroll for Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) for the 2026-2027 school year through the approved preschool provider of your choice. Starting April 1, 2026, until the end of the 2025–26 program year, families who missed the initial application rounds or prefer to work directly with their chosen provider can take advantage of the Direct Enrollment process. This allows for a more streamlined connection between families and local preschools.
Colorado UPK 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). Colorado UPK is available to all Denver families and can be combined with Denver Preschool Program tuition support to lower preschool costs.
Direct Enrollment for Colorado UPK Starting April 1
From now until the end of the 2025–26 program year, which concludes May 2026, families can enroll directly through approved preschool providers for Colorado UPK support for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 program years.
To ensure you don’t miss any critical milestones for the upcoming program year, view the full Colorado UPK schedule.
What Should Families Know Right Now About Colorado UPK?
Below are some common questions families may have about Colorado UPK this spring:
What if my child qualifies for additional hours?
Beyond the universal 15 hours awarded for all households, some children may qualify for up to 30 hours of tuition-free preschool based on specific eligibility factors (such as low income, dual-language learners, or children in foster care). Families should ensure all qualifying information and supporting documents are uploaded to their profile in the Family Portal for verification.
What if I move after matching?
If you move to a new area after receiving a match, you should determine if your current provider still works for your child. If not, contact your current Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) and the LCO in your new community. They will assist you in updating your address in the system and help you explore available openings with providers in your new location.
Can I change providers later?
Yes, families can request a change, though availability is not guaranteed and depends on whether the new provider has open seats. We recommend contacting your chosen provider or your LCO to discuss the transfer process and ensure a smooth transition for your child.
Additional Information about Colorado UPK
Check out our other blog posts about Colorado UPK as well as our Colorado UPK webpage:
- How to Change Preschools and Still Benefit from UPK Colorado
- Apply for 2026-2027 Preschool Support to Lower Preschool Tuition Costs
Also, review our Guide to Lower Preschool Costs.
For additional information about Colorado UPK from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood:
