UPK was designed to create equal access to
quality education before kindergarten and help
reduce the cost of child care. Participating in
UPK will remove the cost of care for the hours
you are approved.
Not necessarily, the program provides a tuition
credit for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
Some children will qualify for up to 30 hours.
The provider will be able to charge for
additional hours provided if necessary.
Colorado children who are age 4 by the
school district deadline and in the year before
Kindergarten are eligible for 15 hours of
preschool. Certain qualifying factors will
allow up to 30 hours for 4 year olds and 10
hours for 3 year olds.
No, child care providers are limited in slots.
Applying for the service early and asking if
your current provider is participating increases
your chance of getting a slot.
Any licensed provider in good standing with
licensing can apply to be a Universal
Preschool Provider. You can access this
service with your current child care provider
or school district IF they are a participating
provider.
The State of Colorado has created a portal to
register. You can find it at upk.colorado.gov.
After registering, you will be contacted by your
provider to complete additional paperwork.
The Cheyenne, Kiowa, Lincoln Early Childhood Council (CKLECC) is the Local Community Organization for Universal Preschool.
Contact the State of Colorado UPK team at:
Online Portal / Webform (Primary): UPK.Colorado.Gov
Central State Hotline: 303-866-5223
General Support Email: universalpreschool@state.co.us
You can also contact CKLECC at 719-775-8622 for questions about UPK and the application process.
The Cheyenne, Kiowa, Lincoln Early Childhood Council (CKLECC) is the Local Community Organization for Universal Preschool for Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Lincoln counties
What does this mean? CKLECC is here to assist families in connecting with UPK providers and any other questions along the way.
Families are welcome to register or seek assistance with enrollment here:
Online Portal / Webform (Primary): UPK.Colorado.Gov
Central State Hotline: 303-866-5223
General Support Email: universalpreschool@state.co.us
Universal Preschool (UPK) will pay for every four-year-old in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten to attend a minimum of a FREE half-day of preschool for the 2026-2027 school year. SOME three-year-olds will also qualify for free part-time preschool.