In Colorado, early childhood education is being prioritized in a very palpable way. Thanks to Universal Preschool (UPK), families have access to free childcare for 4-year-olds regardless of income or tax status. This initiative ensures that all 4-year-old Coloradoans can enter kindergarten academically and emotionally prepared and we are proud to offer UPK at Little People’s Landing (LPL) and Blue Skies Exploration Academy, two of Early Learning Academies family of learning centers. 

Let’s look at what UPK is, how it’s impacted families in Colorado, and hear from ECE professionals about the way UPK is changing childcare for the better.   

What is UPK?  

Colorado launched UPK statewide on July 1, 2023, under House Bill 22‑1295. Managed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), the program offers up to 15 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool for all four‑year‑olds statewide throughout the traditional school year (August–May). The program can provide an additional 10 hours per week for eligible three‑year‑olds—particularly those with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), in low-income families, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.  

In its inaugural year, UPK significantly expanded access—Colorado now ranks third in the nation for four-year-old preschool enrollment. Nearly 70% of eligible four‑year‑olds participated, alongside over 52,000 three- and four‑year-olds—a jump of 31,277 children compared to the previous Colorado Preschool Program. Families save an average of $6,100 annually on four‑year‑old tuition, and with nearly 2,000 providers offering services across various settings (public, private, community-based), families have greater flexibility and choice. * 

UPK at Little People’s Landing and Blue Skies Exploration Academy 

Early Learning Academies was founded on the belief that all children, regardless of where they come from or how much money their parents make, should have access to high-quality early learning programs. It’s for this reason that Little People’s Landing and Blue Skies Exploration Academy quickly got to work becoming qualified UPK providers. Not all early learning centers offer UPK—a center must go through an extensive set of steps to get qualified and adhere to a set of curriculum standards and guidelines. For Little People’s Landing and Blue Skies Exploration Academy, going through those steps was a no brainer. 

“As a provider, we want to take every opportunity to serve our communities,” Tricia Quinn, Director of Operations at Early Learning Academies, said. “Colorado subsidy programs are currently on a freeze, so anything we can do to offer support and resources to families is important. Colorado is offering an opportunity for every single child of preschool age to get quality childcare for free.”  

Early Learning Academies District Manager, Caitlin Ellis, is equally emphatic about the importance of this program for Coloradoans.  

“Getting state funding for childcare gives future generations the great opportunity and access to early learning programs and socialization prior to entering school —that wasn’t an option for everyone before UPK.”  

In Little People’s Landing and Blue Skies Exploration Academy UPK classrooms, children get the opportunity to build an academic and social foundation for kindergarten. Each day, UPK students strengthen their math, writing, and reading skills. Additionally, students engage in activities that help them sharpen their social-emotional skills. 

“UPK really puts the focus on getting children ready for kindergarten,” Ellis said.  

UPK also allows children to get the “feel” of structured schooling before kindergarten, which makes the transition easier and smoother.  

“UPK gives students the opportunity to transition away from nap time and become more aligned to the schedule they’ll have in elementary school,” Ellis explained.  

Apart from the social and educational benefits, the financial relief provided to families through UPK can’t be overstated. “Last year, families who participated in the program saved an average of $600 a month,” Quinn said. “That’s $6,000 a year in preschool costs.” 

While it’s easy to focus on the uncertainties ECE faces currently, it’s important to highlight the bright spots, too. Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina have some form of universal Pre-K, and legislators from around the country are working on similar initiatives for their states. ELA stands behind its commitment to bring high quality early learning and care to all children and looks forward to seeing initiatives like Colorado’s UPK program expand in other states where we serve children. 

Read more:  

Find UPK Providers in Colorado 

Find Childcare Resources by State 

Read and interview with ELA’s Krista Sipherd  

*These statistics can be found here.