Fall Enrollment Is Open: Why Now Is the Time to Choose Your Child’s Preschool in Colorado Springs
Why Fall Preschool Enrollment Starts in July
It might feel early to be thinking about September, but families who wait until August to start their preschool search often find their top choices are already full. Licensed preschool programs in Colorado Springs — especially those that accept Universal Pre-K (UPK) hours — have limited enrollment capacity, and spots typically fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
At Zach’s Place, we begin accepting fall enrollment inquiries in July for our 2026–2027 preschool program. Families who reach out early have the best chance of securing the schedule and program type that works for their child and their family’s routine.
If your child will be 4 years old by October 1, 2026, they are likely eligible for Colorado’s Universal Pre-K program — which means you may be able to access up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool per week. Now is exactly the right time to find out.
What Makes Zach’s Place Different from Other Preschools in Colorado Springs
There are dozens of preschool options in the Pikes Peak region, so what should you be looking for? Here’s what sets Zach’s Place apart:
- Inclusive, mixed-ability classrooms — we serve both neurotypical children and children with disabilities, creating a richer social environment for everyone
- Licensed childcare and preschool provider — operating since 1998, fully licensed and approved as a UPK provider for Colorado
- Flexible scheduling — before and after school care available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sliding fee scale — rates adjusted based on household income; no child is turned away for inability to pay
- Registered nurse on staff and trained, compassionate caregivers
- Life skills curriculum — we focus on real-world development, not just academic readiness
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Every child who walks through our doors gets individualized attention in an environment designed to help them thrive — socially, emotionally, and academically.
What Is Universal Pre-K and Does My Child Qualify?
Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) program provides eligible children with up to 15 hours of free preschool per week in the year before they enter kindergarten. Families who meet additional income or eligibility criteria may qualify for more hours.
Your child may qualify for UPK if they:
- Will be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2026
- Are a Colorado resident
- Are enrolling in their kindergarten-entry year
Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should coordinate enrollment with their Special Education Administrative Unit (AU). Zach’s Place works closely with families navigating the IEP process to make enrollment as smooth as possible.
Three-year-olds should contact their local school district for available preschool services.
What to Expect When You Enroll at Zach’s Place
We’ve made enrollment straightforward so that families can focus on what matters — finding the right fit for their child. Here’s how the process works:
- Complete your application — visit sksfcolorado.org to start your enrollment
- Gather your paperwork — you’ll need your child’s shot records or exemption paperwork and a current physical on file
- Schedule your site visit — during your visit, we’ll tour the facility together and complete an intake assessment so we can best support your child from day one
Have questions before you apply? Give us a call at 719-447-8983. Our team is happy to walk you through the program and answer any questions about scheduling, UPK eligibility, or what a typical day looks like at Zach’s Place.
A Learning Environment Built for Every Child
One of the questions we hear most often from families of neurotypical children is: “Is this the right fit for my child?” The short answer is yes — and research consistently backs this up.
Children in inclusive preschool settings develop stronger social skills, deeper empathy, and greater adaptability than their peers in homogeneous classrooms. When children learn alongside peers with different backgrounds and abilities, they build the emotional toolkit that serves them well throughout school and life.
At Zach’s Place, a typical day includes:
- Structured learning activities and academic preparation
- Creative expression through art, music, and storytelling
- Life skills practice — cooking, personal care, community integration
- Active outdoor play, field trips, and community outings
- The Gardens Grow program — hands-on gardening and environmental education
Our goal is a classroom where every child is challenged, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Don’t Wait — Fall Spots Fill Fast
Preschool enrollment in Colorado Springs moves quickly, particularly for programs that accept UPK hours. Families who connect with us in July and August are the ones who have the most flexibility in choosing their schedule and program structure.
Whether you’re a working parent looking for full-day care, a family navigating a new IEP, or a parent who simply wants the best inclusive learning environment for your 4-year-old — Zach’s Place is ready to welcome your family.
Ready to secure your child’s spot for fall? Call Zach’s Place at 719-447-8983 or visit sksfcolorado.org to begin your enrollment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preschool Enrollment in Colorado Springs
When does preschool enrollment open at Zach’s Place in Colorado Springs?
Zach’s Place begins accepting fall enrollment inquiries in July for the upcoming school year. Spots are limited and fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to reach out early — especially those interested in UPK hours.
Does my child need to have a disability to attend Zach’s Place?
No. Zach’s Place is an inclusive preschool that welcomes both neurotypical children and children with disabilities. We believe all children benefit from learning alongside peers of different abilities, and our program is designed to support every child’s growth.
How does Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) program work at Zach’s Place?
Zach’s Place is a licensed UPK provider, which means eligible families can use Colorado’s Universal Pre-K program to access up to 15 free preschool hours per week. Children must be 4 years old on or before October 1 of the enrollment year. Families with additional qualifying factors may be eligible for more hours.
What documents do I need to enroll my child at Zach’s Place?
You will need your child’s current immunization records (or an exemption form) and a recent physical on file before your child begins attending. During your site visit, our team will complete an intake assessment to help us best support your child.
How do I start the preschool enrollment process?
You can begin enrollment by visiting sksfcolorado.org or by calling us directly at 719-447-8983. Our team will guide you through the application, paperwork, and site visit — and answer any questions you have along the way.
FAQs about SKSF Child Care in Colorado Springs
Zach’s Place serves children ages 2.5 to 18 in various programs. Our preschool programming focuses on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness for preschool-aged children.
Yes. Zach’s Place operates on a sliding-fee scale based on household income, which means families pay what they can afford — with rates as low as $9 per hour for qualifying families. Colorado families may also be eligible for support through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) or state disability services funding. Our team can help connect you with information on any of these options during your intake visit.
Zach’s Place serves children ages 2.5–18 with a wide range of disabilities and developmental needs, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more. We also welcome typically developing children in our inclusive setting. The best way to find out if we’re a good fit is to schedule a tour and intake conversation — we’ll learn about your child’s specific needs and be honest about how we can support them.
Children in inclusive classrooms consistently develop stronger communication skills, greater empathy, and better social adaptability than peers in non-inclusive settings. At Zach’s Place, neurotypical children learn to collaborate with peers of different abilities, which builds the flexibility and perspective-taking that are proven predictors of long-term social and academic success.
Respite care at Zach’s Place can be used on a recurring basis — weekly, several times a week, or on a schedule that works for your family. We work with families to build arrangements that provide consistent, reliable relief. Regular respite has been shown to be significantly more effective at preventing burnout than occasional or emergency-only use, so we encourage families to think of it as an ongoing support rather than a last resort.
Respite care is planned, temporary care specifically designed to give caregivers of individuals with disabilities a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Unlike general child care, respite care is provided by staff trained in supporting individuals with a range of developmental and physical disabilities — and is specifically intended to support the sustainability of family caregiving. At Zach’s Place, respite care and child care exist side by side, and children in both settings receive the same high-quality, inclusive experience.
Look for programs with a structured daily routine, trained and credentialed educators, small group sizes, a play-based and life-skills-integrated curriculum, and a track record in your community. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios, how the program handles transitions, and whether it supports children with diverse learning needs. Zach’s Place checks every one of these boxes — and we’re happy to answer any questions during a tour.
Yes. We provide licensed respite care services for children of all abilities, including those with developmental disabilities. Visiting families can inquire about short-term respite options to support travel or caregiver needs.
Typically developing children in inclusive child care environments gain empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of diversity from an early age. These settings promote positive classroom culture and community awareness by encouraging social learning through interaction with peers who have different abilities, thereby fostering acceptance and respect among all children.
Colorado Springs offers a variety of special needs child care services including licensed childcare for children with disabilities, inclusive childcare settings, and specialized programs such as those provided by Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) and The Resource Exchange (TRE). These services cater to neurodivergent children and focus on individualized attention and skill development.
