State-Funded Preschool in Colorado

What is the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)?

CPP is a state-funded, district-run, preschool program. CPP is intended to serve preschool-aged children who are at risk of starting elementary school unprepared due to individual or family factors. Eligibility determination and the enrollment process are coordinated at a local level. The Colorado Preschool Program is sunsetting at the end of the 2022-23 school year, and a new Universal Preschool program is being implemented by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) starting with the 23-24 school year.

To find out about CPP options in your community for the 22-23 school year, use the Family Contact Directory to find the school district representative who can help you.

Family Contacts

What is Preschool Special Education and Child Find?

Preschool special education is a state and federally mandated program for three and four-year-old children who are experiencing challenges in their learning and development and meet state eligibility criteria for special education and related services.

Universal Preschool

Applications for the new Universal Preschool (UPK) program are now open on the CDEC website for the 23-24 school year.

Please visit the UPK application page on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) website for more information.

Resources for Families

PLAYbook

The PLAYbook contains information and activities that anyone caring for young children – including parents, siblings, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, neighbors, and family friends - can use to prepare children to be successful when entering kindergarten. The PLAYbook contains activities and information that are designed to get caregivers thinking about building the child’s skills in the locations where they spend time together, using what they may already have around their home through play. Please reach out to amanda.culbertson@state.co.us with any questions.

English Version Spanish Version

The PDF file is interactive, allowing users to take notes or use the checklists and interactive tools digitally! The PLAYbook can also be downloaded and printed.

Finding Childcare

Find Child Care - Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Child Care Resource and Referral agencies work to connect you with quality early learning programs, like child care and preschool, valuable local resources, and tips for choosing a child care facility.

Head Start

Head Start programs provide wide-ranging services for low-income children from birth to elementary school at no cost. The program is child-centered, family-focused, and community-based. Use the Head Start Program Locator to find Head Start Programs.

PEAK Parent Center

PEAK Parent Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been serving families and self-advocates across the State of Colorado, and beyond, since 1986.Since its inception, PEAK has maintained a steadfast commitment to ensuring that people with all types of disabilities can be fully included in their neighborhood schools, their communities, and in all walks of life. We welcome you to learn more