Question 1

Who qualifies for Colorado UPK?

Accepted Answer

Every Colorado child in the year before kindergarten qualifies for ten free preschool hours per week, with no income requirement (8 CCR 1404-1, 4.107). Families who are low-income or have at least one qualifying factor — a dual-language learner, an IEP, foster care, or homelessness — can receive additional funded hours, up to a full day, subject to state appropriations.

Question 2

How do I apply for UPK?

Accepted Answer

Apply at UPK.Colorado.Gov. You create a family account, rank your preferred providers, and the state matches your child to a provider. Matching happens in late winter and spring, but direct enrollment continues year-round as space allows.

Question 3

Is UPK really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the funded hours carry no tuition at any participating provider. Hours beyond what UPK funds for your child are paid by the family, by CCCAP for qualifying families, or for Denver residents by Denver Preschool Program credits. Most working families need more hours than UPK covers, so ask us for the full picture before you enroll.

Question 4

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

Birth certificate, immunization records, physical exam form, and proof of Colorado residence. No proof of income is needed — UPK has no income requirement.

Question 5

Can I combine UPK with extended care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bright Stars is open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, so the 15 funded UPK hours sit inside a full day of care. The additional hours are billed as tuition, or covered by CCCAP for qualifying families.

Question 6

How is UPK different from preschool?

Accepted Answer

UPK is the funding, not a separate classroom. Your 4-year-old is in our preschool room following the same Colorado-standards kindergarten-readiness curriculum; UPK is the state paying for part of it.

Question 7

Can Denver families use DPP and UPK together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Denver residents can stack Denver Preschool Program tuition credits on top of free UPK hours, and DPP credits are larger at higher-quality-rated providers such as Colorado Shines Level 4 centers.

Free Universal Preschool for 4-year-olds in Aurora — Colorado UPK