The first two application rounds for Universal Preschool Colorado are complete, and nearly 27,500 families have been matched to preschool providers in their area.
About 90.7% of families were matched to any of their provider choices, and 78.6% of families were matched to their top choice.
Universal Preschool Colorado is a program that allows children to receive “up to half-day (15 hours) of state-funded, voluntary preschooling” the year before they enter kindergarten, according to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s website. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including full-day preschool, but Universal Preschool Colorado can cover only 15 hours a week. The program will launch for the 2023-2024 school year.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no deadline to apply, and this is not a first-come, first-serve program. Some 3-year-olds may be eligible for the program as well.
“We are excited that over 90% of families are matched with a high-quality provider, saving families over $164 million across the state,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release.
Families save an average of $6,000 per year with this program, money that they can put to other uses.
“We are equally excited about the fact that we have seats available in every single county within the state so we have the chance to get more families signed up to take advantage of this opportunity,” Universal Preschool Colorado director Dawn Odean said.
In Montezuma County, 227 total seats were available, and as of June 20, 108 seats have been filled. Dolores County had 26 total seats, and four of those have been filled.
Two more enrollment rounds are planned this summer, and residents have time to apply and get matched with a preschool provider. Those families who rejected their first match may reapply if they wish.
For more information or to submit an application, visit upk.colorado.gov.
