Latest news with #UniversalPreschoolProgram
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Colorado's preschool enrollment more than doubles under Universal Preschool Program
The number of 3- and 4-year-olds attending preschool in Colorado more than doubled in 2023-24, when the state launched its Universal Preschool Program, according to a new national report. Colorado had 52,617 children ages 3 and 4 in preschool in 2023-24, an increase of 31,277 from the previous year, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, said in a news release. The state moved from No. 27 nationally to No. 3 in the number of 4-year-olds in preschool with the increase, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research's annual report. Nearly 70% of eligible 4-year-olds in the state enrolled in the Universal Preschool Program, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood said in a news release. Registration for the 2025-26 school year is continuing, with direct enrollment now available at That program, approved by voters as Proposition EE in the November 2020 election, has saved families an average of $6,100 annually on preschool expenses for 4-year-olds, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood news release said. UPK, as the program is known, reimburses nearly 2,000 participating providers for up to 15 hours of preschool each week during the school year for children in the year before they begin kindergarten. The program provides additional hours of coverage for children, including some 3-year-olds, who meet certain qualifying criteria. Preschool enrollment nationally increased 7% from 2022-23 to an all-time high of more than $1.75 million, report found. More than 60% of that increase came from two states, California and Colorado, 'with ambitious plans for universal preschool.' This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: State-funded program more than doubles Colorado preschool enrollment
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Universal Preschool enrollment open
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Colorado has more than 19,000 applications submitted for the Universal Preschool Program's 2025-26 enrollment. This nationally recognized program provides up to 15 hours of free preschool weekly for children in their pre-kindergarten year, with additional hours available for qualifying families. Gov. Polis says the free preschool program is saving Coloradans an average of $6,100 every year while giving students the best possible start. Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Dr. Lisa Roy says Colorado's Universal Preschool Program has lifted Colorado from 27th to 7th in preschool enrollment across the nation. Some important dates to keep in mind as enrollment continues are Feb. 3, Feb. 5 and March 5. Feb. 3 is the pre-registration deadline for families continuing care with a participating provider, with a sibling enrolled or with a family member employed by a provider. Feb. 5 is the deadline for the first family-to-provider matching. Families applying by this date increase their chances of securing a top-choice preschool. March 5 is the final matching round deadline. After this, families can directly enroll with providers as space allows. Click here to learn more about the program and to enroll your child. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Coloradans can now apply for free preschool
(COLORADO) — Parents can now apply for Colorado Universal Preschool's program, which provides free, high-quality preschool weekly for children. The program gives up to 15 hours of free preschool to children in their pre-kindergarten year. All children in Colorado are welcome to apply, according to Governor Jared Polis, the program saves Coloradans an average of $6,100 every year. 'We are thrilled that so many families have already signed up for the next school year to better prepare their child for success,' said Governor Jared Polis. Through the application process, families can choose from diverse settings including home-based, school-based, or community-based, whichever is the best fit for their child. Now, families can apply for the program. Some key enrollment deadlines include: Feb.3: Pre-registration deadline for families continuing care with a participating provider, with a sibling enrolled, or with a family member employed by the provider. Feb.5: First family-to-provider matching round deadline. Families who apply by this deadline increase their chances March 5: Final matching round deadline. The program lets families also apply for more free hours based on qualifying factors and available funding. Depending on the provider, families have the option of paying for any additional hours as well. 'Colorado's Universal Preschool Program is transforming lives and has propelled Colorado from 27th to 7th in preschool enrollment across the nation,' said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. 'With over 85,600 children served in just two years, now is the time for all eligible families to apply for the upcoming school year.' To apply, click the link above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
