Aug. 16, 2024

UPK in Denver: Why It Matters & How to Apply — Even After School Starts

If you live in Denver, you could be saving thousands on preschool every year

Children are born ready to learn. It’s our responsibility to figure out how to help them make the best educational choices.

That’s why Elsa Holguín, president and CEO of the Denver Preschool Program (DPP), wants families to know that finding and accessing the best preschool options is made easy through DPP and the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK). Recently on the EDUCA DPS podcast, available to listen to in both English and Spanish, she explained the importance of preschool, how universal preschool is changing outcomes for children of all backgrounds, and information on how families can enroll.

With the 2024-25 school year fast approaching — and even after it begins — families are encouraged to work with DPP to determine their child’s needs, learn about the preschool providers in their area and apply for funds and enrollment.

Preschool: The Advantage All Children Deserve

For many children, preschool can be the stepping stone to success. That’s something that Elsa knows on a personal level: Growing up in Mexico, Elsa was one of the first participants in a preschool program in her hometown. That experience jumpstarted her lifelong pursuit of education, eventually leading to her graduating from high school in Mexico, moving to the United States, learning another language, and obtaining a Master’s in Public Administration.

“Children that attend preschool are more likely to read by third grade, graduate from high school, and attend higher education,” Elsa explained. “But it’s not just academic. It’s also about social and emotional development in children. They have the ability to fully participate in a classroom, and in life.”

Increasing Access to Universal Preschool in Denver

Preschool gives children an extra advantage in life, but it’s an advantage not all families can afford. Preschool isn’t free; in fact, in Denver, preschool can cost about $15,000 per child per year.

In 2023, Colorado launched its Universal Preschool (UPK) program, providing every family with up to 15 hours a week of free preschool. This initiative, complemented by DPP for Denver residents, broadens access to early childhood education.

“Universal means everybody is able to participate regardless of economic status, immigration status, or locality,” Elsa emphasized.

The Colorado UPK program pays for the first 15 hours per week, and DPP’s navigators can help families determine if they’re eligible for more paid hours and in some instances, receive additional support to pay for full or extended day programs. As Elsa shared, 80 to 85% of DPP families need full day programs — those that offer six hours or more of care daily, or include before and aftercare.

“15 hours a week, which is three hours per day, is not going to cover what most families need,” said Elsa.

In the last few years, DPP has expanded to start serving three-year-olds in addition to four-year-olds, increasing access to UPK across Denver.

UPK in Denver: How It Works

Beginning in July, families must complete their enrollment directly with the preschool provider of their choice. Families are encouraged to learn all they can about providers in their area, work with providers to apply, and accept their offer for enrollment in just three easy steps.

1. Learn about Colorado’s preschool providers

Families can choose between enrolling their child in a Denver Public School (DPS) preschool or a community provider, which include nonprofit, for-profit, religiously affiliated, and family-based providers.

“We have over 270 providers that we have pre-qualified as quality providers where families can choose from,” said Elsa.

Families can either visit upk.colorado.org or find.dpp.org/welcome to browse the preschool providers near them that meet their child’s needs.

On both sites, families can contact providers and sign up for visiting tours to learn as much as they can about a provider before sign up to enroll. At dpp.org there is even a helpful checklist that families can use when they visit a provider to ensure all their questions are answered.

2. Contact Preferred Provider to Complete the UPK Application

Once a family has decided which provider is best for them, they are encouraged to contact that provider directly to ensure space is available and complete the enrollment application. Families may also visit upk.colorado.gov to select their top two choices and complete their application. But, the provider must accept the application to guarantee enrollment, so working with a provider to complete enrollment over the phone or in person is a great way to increase a family’s chances of securing enrollment.

3. Accept Enrollment & Funding Offers

Beginning in July the enrollment process is only complete once a provider has accepted a family’s enrollment application. Once applications are submitted, providers review the application and notify families that their enrollment has been accepted or declined. Families must then confirm their placement and accept the enrollment offer. If a provider declines an enrollment application, the family will be notified and can submit another application for a different provider. If your child is already enrolled, you can still apply for funding from DPP and UPK and receive discounts on your monthly payments.

Leveling the Educational Playing Field

Every child deserves to have the best start in life. Colorado’s UPK program, in conjunction with DPP, is helping to make quality preschool accessible to all families in Denver.

To maximize our impact, Gary Community Ventures invites community organizations and partners to join us in supporting these vital programs.

Here’s how you can help:

Spread the Word: Share information about UPK and DPP with your networks. Let families know about the availability of up to 15 hours of free preschool each week and how they can access additional support through the Colorado UPK and DPP websites.
Collaborate with Us: Partner with Gary Community Ventures to amplify our efforts. This can include distributing flyers, linking to DPP on your website, or referring clients to these programs.
Support Enrollment: Help families navigate the enrollment process. Elsa noted that applications for the next school year start in January and there is limited capacity in these programs, so early awareness and assistance can help more families secure their spots.

To learn more about Colorado universal preschool, read about the ABCs of Universal Pre-K here.

Learn About the ABCs of UPK