Saving Coloradans an Average of $6,300 Per Year, Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program Opens Enrollment for Upcoming 2026-27 Program Year While Current Year Enrollment Continues

Find Providers, Check Eligibility, and Apply Today at UPK.Colorado.Gov

STATEWIDE - After serving more than 87,000 Colorado children since launching in 2023, Colorado families can apply for the 2026-27 Universal Preschool Program, starting today, December 9, 2025. This exciting opportunity offers up to 15 hours of tuition-free, high-quality preschool for all children in the year before kindergarten, with additional hours available for qualifying families.

"Families across the state are saving more than $6,300 per year on free preschool and starting today Coloradans can sign their children up for the coming school year. Free preschool is serving tens of thousands of children across our state and building a strong foundation for success. It's quick and easy, so sign up today," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Investing in high-quality early education is one of the most effective ways we can support children, families, and the long-term strength of our state," said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). "When we give young learners the foundation they need to thrive, we open the door to lifelong success and healthier communities. Colorado's continued commitment to early learning ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their full potential."

Tuition-free preschool is saving Colorado families an average of $6,300 each year while giving young learners the strongest possible start, and many families have already enrolled for the upcoming program year to help prepare their children for success. Aligning with the Governor's priorities, Colorado's Universal Preschool Program is transforming lives, moving the state from 27th to 3rd in national preschool enrollment. Now is the time for all eligible families to apply for the year ahead.

How To Enroll

Families can apply at UPK.Colorado.Gov following the steps below:

1. Explore Providers: Browse profiles of more than 2,000 licensed programs statewide.
2. Submit an Application: Select preferred providers and submit by the deadlines.
3. Accept a Match: Families will be notified to accept or decline between.
4. Finalize Enrollment: Complete registration directly with the provider.

Families may also directly enroll with providers after matching rounds end, throughout the program year as space is available, providing greater flexibility and access for families.

For support enrolling:

• Visit: Help.Upk.Colorado.Gov
• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 303-866-5223 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. MST).

Interpreters are available in over 100 languages.

Key Enrollment Deadlines

• December 9, 2025: Family registration opens
• December 9, 2025: Pre-registration window starts
• February 2, 2026: Matches for pre-registration shared with families
• February 16, 2026: First matching round
• February 25, 2026: First Round Matches shared with families
• March 16, 2026: Second matching round
• March 24, 2026: Second Round Matches shared with families
• April 1, 2026: Direct enrollment starts

Colorado's innovative enrollment process provides multiple pathways, including pre-registration, general registration, and direct enrollment. Families can choose from diverse settings-home-based, school-based, or community-based-to find the best fit for their child. Families can check to see when they are eligible based on their district's kindergarten eligibility dates, using the Age Eligibility Lookup Tool.

"In the current program year, we are serving 70% of all age eligible children and anticipate continued growth," said Dawn Odean, Universal Preschool Program Director. "Our ongoing efforts to improve the program, combined with strong partnerships across Colorado, continue to help families secure the preschool placements that best meet their needs."

For more information and for frequently asked questions, please visit CDEC's Universal Preschool Family Information website.

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