Colorado Universal Preschool
D49 is a Colorado Universal Preschool Program provider.
The Colorado Department of Education's Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) ensures that every child in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten is eligible for up to half-day (12 hours at D49) of state-funded, voluntary preschool.
UPK Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I would like my child to attend a District 49 preschool program but I don’t reside in the district’s boundaries.
A: In order for children to attend a District 49 preschool program, they and their parent/guardian must reside within the district’s boundaries. The only exception is for full-time employees of the district and proof of employment is required. This does not include charter school employees.
Q: If my child qualifies for additional hours based on qualifying factors, can they receive more than part-time programming in District 49?
A: No. Our program only offers part-time morning or afternoon preschool three hours a day Monday through Thursday. We do not offer before and after care for preschool students and we do not offer a full or extended day option.
Q: Can I enroll my child in more than one Colorado Universal Preschool Program UPK provider location?
A: No. Each child receiving a state-funded preschool spot through UPK will only be able to attend tuition-free at one participating provider.
Q: If my child has an IEP, can they receive special education services through District 49 if they attend a non-District 49 provider?
A: No. Families can choose any provider, but special education services are only available through District 49 for students who are enrolled in a district preschool program unless otherwise specified by the child’s IEP team.
Q: Can my pre-school child (more than one year prior to kindergarten eligibility) qualify for state funding?
A: Yes.
However, due to the limited number of state-funded Colorado Universal Preschool Program UPK seats available, District 49 prioritizes applications for students in their pre-school year (more than one year of preschool prior to kindergarten eligibility) based on the number of qualifying factors listed below:
1. Child is “in poverty” defined as household income less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines.
2. Child is multilingual, meaning a child who is learning two or more languages at the same time, or a child who is learning a second language while continuing to develop their first language.
3. Child is currently in foster care or in non-certified kinship care (child is being cared for by relative or family member due to safety concerns).
4. Child is identified as homeless and/or unhoused.
NOTE: Pre-kindergarten and pre-school students are enrolled in a manner to maintain a balanced classroom when at all possible.
Q: My child is not in their pre-kindergarten year and does not have any qualifying factors. How can they attend a District 49 preschool program?
A: You must complete and submit our preschool application. Once it has been processed, you will receive an email telling you whether your child was placed in a classroom or on a waitlist. Space is very limited and tuition will be charged. Our preschool programming is four days a week, Monday through Thursday with three-hour sessions, either AM or PM.
Q: Do I have to complete the UPK application or can I just opt for a tuition-based spot for my child?
A: If your child is in their pre-kindergarten year, you will not be able to access a tuition-based spot in our D49 programs. If your child is NOT in their pre-kindergarten year, you may apply through our internal preschool application only.
Q: I have concerns about my child’s development. How do I proceed?
A: Complete and submit our preschool application. Please visit our preschool website to view and sign up for a community screening date. If your child has a medical diagnosis and/or receives community-based services, contact our child find office at childfind@d49.org.