Does Colorado offer free preschool?

Yes. Colorado funds the Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK CO) for 4 years old. Colorado's Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK CO) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Colorado qualify.

What are the income limits for free preschool in Colorado?

Colorado's Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK CO) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Colorado qualify.

When do I enroll my child in Colorado pre-K?

Colorado pre-K enrollment typically runs January through March. Apply through Colorado Department of Early Childhood. All 4-year-olds get 15 hours/week free — no application needed beyond enrollment. Apply at upk.colorado.gov to find a participating provider.

✓ Universal Pre-K — No Income Test

Is Pre-K Free in Colorado?

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

Colorado offers free pre-K to all eligible 4-year-olds through Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK CO). No income test.

DaycareCalc is an independent site. It is not affiliated with any government agency. Only the agency that runs the program can decide if you qualify.

Age

4 years old

Income limit

None (universal)

Schedule

15 hours/week universal; up to 30 hours/week for income-eligible

Apply by

January through March

Colorado Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name

Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK CO)

Age requirement

4 years old

Income limit

Universal: 15 hours/week free for all. Income-eligible families get up to 30 hours/week

Schedule

15 hours/week universal; up to 30 hours/week for income-eligible

Enrollment

January through March

Administered by

Colorado Department of Early Childhood

How to Apply for Free Preschool in Colorado

Applications are handled by Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 4 years old. No income verification required.

Apply during enrollment window

Colorado pre-K enrollment typically runs January through March. Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. All 4-year-olds get 15 hours/week free — no application needed beyond enrollment. Apply at upk.colorado.gov to find a participating provider.

Apply through Colorado Department of →

What to know before you apply

• All 4-year-olds get 15 hours/week free — no application needed beyond enrollment. Apply at upk.colorado.gov to find a participating provider.
• Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families at or below 100% FPL (plus TANF, SSI, foster, and homeless families) and is federally funded nationwide.

Free Preschool in Other States

Louisiana

Pre-K eligibility

Nevada

Pre-K eligibility

New Mexico

Pre-K eligibility

Oklahoma

Pre-K eligibility

Oregon

Pre-K eligibility

Or see all 50 states.

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