If you have a kiddo who will be attending preschool during the 2023-24 school year, be sure to take the time to register them for Colorado's new Universal Pre-K program on January 17 on the Colorado Department of Early Education website to receive access to 15 hours per week of state-funded preschool throughout the coming school year.
What is Universal Pre-K?
Expected to save families an average of $4,300 per year on early education, Universal Pre-K was signed into Colorado law in April 2022 to help ensure that Colorado children are valued, healthy, and thriving. Universal Pre-K will allow young Coloradans to attend a half day of preschool at a high-quality, universal, voluntary preschool in the year before they enter kindergarten — for free — at participating schools/providers.
The Douglas County Early Childhood Council (DCECC) hosted a virtual parent meeting earlier this month. You can watch the video below:
Who's eligible to participate in Universal Pre-K during the 2023-24 school year?
All children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten and qualifying 3-year-olds are eligible to participate and register.
Where do I find a list of participating schools?
A list of participating preschools will be available on applications beginning January 17, but families can expect to see licensed school-based, community-based, and home-based preschool settings listed as participating providers. If you're trying to keep your child at a school they already attend, or you'd like to send them to the same school as an older sibling, be sure to note this on your application, as it will be taken into consideration while processing your application.
What's the process for DCSD preschools?
You must first enroll through the Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) system at upk.colorado.gov to begin the enrollment process for Douglas County Preschool Programs. Then, continue the registration through the Douglas County School District.
- If your child will turn 5 on or before October 1, 2023, CLICK THIS LINK to register for a PM Preschool placement for the remainder of the
2022-23 school year. - If your child will turn 4 on or before October 1, 2023, CLICK THIS LINK to begin the enrollment process for Douglas County Preschool Programs for the 2023-24 school year.
If you have any questions specific to Douglas County School District preschool registration, please email Preschool@dcsdk12.org or call the information line at (720) 433-0025.
