Universal Pre-K and Early Childhood FAQ

Universal Pre-K in Colorado is a program that provides up to 15 hours per week of free preschool for 4-year-olds in the year before kindergarten, with additional free hours available for families who meet certain criteria.

• Yes, 15 hours per week of Universal Pre-K are free for all Colorado families with children who are four years old by the eligibility cutoff date. Families who meet certain criteria (like low income or disability service needs) may qualify for more hours at no cost. Additional hours beyond what's covered may require payment.
• “Stacking” funding is also possible, where families who qualify for multiple funding sources (e.g. Head Start and UPK) can combine those to get more hours of Pre-k at no cost.

PSD Early Childhood programming follows the PSD school-year calendar, typically running from August through May. UPK funding does not cover summer break, so families needing care during that time must make separate arrangements. 

1. Complete the PSD Early Childhood Application
2. Submit the Colorado Universal Preschool Application
3. After being contacted for placement, complete the enrollment packet provided by PSD.

• We serve children ages 3-5 in the district’s Early Childhood program. A child must be 3 or 4 years old by October 1st of the year they will begin attending preschool. A child with special needs, who is supported with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), may enter anytime on or after their third birthday. 
• Children who turn 5 before October 1st must register for kindergarten.

No, there are no exceptions to the age cutoff. However, children can enroll in and start Pre-K at any time during the school year. Once your child is age-eligible, you can apply.

• Yes, PSD offers preschool programming for 3-year-olds, though availability is limited. 3-year-olds can qualify for Head Start, Universal Pre-K, or tuition-based funding through PSD’s Early Childhood program. 

To apply for a 3-year-old spot, families must complete both the PSD Early Childhood Education application and the Colorado Universal Preschool application.

If demand exceeds available spots, enrollment is prioritized based on qualifying factors such as income level, disability needs, and family circumstances. Families submit their preferences during the application process. Those who don’t get placed initially may be offered spots if openings become available after the start of the school year.

• Yes, PSD offers both part-time and full-day preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds, though availability varies based on age, total number of slots, and eligibility.
  • No-Cost Options: Limited full-day and half-day spaces are available through UPK, Head Start, and Early Childhood Special Education (ESCE) for eligible children.
  • Tuition-Based Options: Half-day or full-day space are available for tuition-paying families.

Eyestone Elementary is currently the only school offering AlphaBest after-school care to pre-k students. To learn more about AlphaBest, visit the AlphaBest website.

• Preschool for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds, both no‑cost (for qualifying families via Universal PreK, Head Start, or special education) and tuition‑based options.
• Early Head Start for eligible families with children ages 0‑3, including prenatal support, home visiting, or center‑based care.
• Preschool Special Education (Integrated Services) for 3‑, 4‑, and 5‑year‑olds who are eligible under disability criteria.

PSD Early Childhood program offers a play-based, language rich environment for students. We implement a research-based curriculum, approved by Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Head Start called Creative Curriculum. In addition, PSD collects assessment data using Teaching Strategies Gold to share information about your child's progress through their developental stages.

No, all PSD preschool programs use Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold. Specialized programs such as Core Knowledge start at designated schools in kindergarten.

• Screenings & Evaluations: The ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) and ASQ-SE (Ages and Stages Questionnaire - Social Emotional) are completed for each child at the time of application. This data, along with any parent concerns, indicates if further evaluation is needed via our ChildFind program. Those formal evaluations are carried out by our early childhood assessment team, and classroom teachers collect data on an ongoing basis to relay potential concerns to families. No child is turned away based on needs. Vision, hearing and dental screenings are available annually in the classroom as well. 
• Integrated Services: Children with disabilities can receive individualized education plans (IEP) and support through PSD’s Integrated Services programs.
• Family & Community Supports: PSD Early Childhood Education also offers parenting education, referrals to community services (health, mental wellness, etc.), and events to help support students’ growth beyond the classroom.

• Yes, every child is welcome in PSD Early Childhood Education regardless of behavioral, developmental, toileting or academic needs. Children with special needs or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can participate! PSD offers Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds with developmental delays or other disabilities. These services are available starting on a child's third birthday, and eligibility is determined through the district's ChildFind process, which includes screenings and evaluations. 
• Once eligible, children receive individualized support tailored to their specific needs, as outlined in their IEPs. This may include specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other related services, all provided in the least restrictive environment to promote inclusion and development.
• For more information or to initiate the referral process, families can contact the PSD Early Childhood Education department or visit the district's website.

8 students to 1 adult.

Every classroom in PSD Early Childhood has a licensed Early Childhood teacher. Many of our teachers also hold an Early Childhood Special Education license. In addition, we employ highly trained paraprofessionals for support.

All PSD Early Childhood classrooms are mixed-age, with children ages 3-5.

Yes, families are essential partners in our program and are highly encouraged to participate in our classrooms. Families must follow the PSD volunteer guidelines. We also have a parent council that meets monthly to help shape our program

Yes, the half-day program offers one free meal and the full-day program offers two free meals per day. Children are welcome to bring their own meals as well.

Yes, full-day programs must offer a dedicated rest period. Half-day programs do not have a rest time.

PSD Early Childhood offers preschools in 20 different schools. Each school is set up in similar ways, and the foundational experience for all students is the same. Please see the “Day of the Life” video on our webpage. You may tour one site once you apply to our program. Every family does a center visit prior to starting school to acclimate your child to preschool and meet the teacher. The ability to request a teacher is not allowed in our program.