January 28th, 2026 – Chaffee County, CO –
The Universal Preschool Colorado Program is now open for enrollment, offering 15 hours a week of high-quality, affordable preschool. This state-funded initiative is intended to prepare children for kindergarten while allowing parents to
choose the setting that best suits their family—whether it be school-based, community-based, or home-based.
With an emphasis on accessibility and choice, the Universal Preschool Colorado Program
invites parents to take this chance to invest in their children’s futures with a head start in
education. Four-year-olds planning to enter kindergarten, as well as some three-year-olds, are
eligible for subsidized preschool. But parents shouldn’t wait too long—provider spaces are
limited!
Parents are encouraged to contact providers directly to learn more about their philosophy and
whether they have available spaces. They can also visit the Chaffee County Early Childhood
Council website at www.ccecc.org or call 719-221-5114 to explore participating providers in your
area and secure your child’s place. Alternatively, if parents have a specific provider in mind, they
should proceed directly to upk.colorado.gov for enrollment and matching with a provider.
About the Universal Preschool Colorado Program:
Created by statute under HB 22-1295 and launched in 2023, the Universal Preschool Colorado
Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). It offers
state-funded preschool education designed to foster early childhood development and
kindergarten readiness.
Chaffee County Early Childhood Council is a non-profit organization that serves children and
their families, prenatal through age 8, and works with many diverse community partners,
including organizations, parents, and professionals. CCECC works with the community to
assess local early childhood needs, identify proven solutions, and access the resources
necessary to embed solutions into the ongoing work of community partners. Visit www.ccecc.org
for more information about our work.
