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.
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FAQs about SKSF Child Care in Colorado Springs
Yes. Zach’s Place is a Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) provider. Eligible families may qualify for free, high-quality preschool hours during the year before kindergarten.
How can I choose the right special needs child care or respite service provider in Colorado Springs?
When selecting a provider in Colorado Springs, consider factors such as licensing status, staff qualifications, program offerings tailored to your child’s specific needs, and the availability of personalized care plans. Evaluating providers like Zach’s Place at The Laurie Hillyard Family Center can ensure high-quality care that supports your child’s development effectively.
Absolutely. Zach’s Place is an inclusive child care center that welcomes children of all abilities. Neurotypical children benefit from learning alongside peers with diverse needs — gaining empathy, communication skills, and a broader perspective on the world from an early age.
Inclusive preschool helps children develop:
- Early literacy and numeracy foundations
- Emotional regulation and cooperation
- Independence in daily routines
- Confidence interacting with diverse peers
These skills support smooth transitions into elementary school.
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 provides temporary relief for caregivers by offering short-term childcare services for neurodivergent children. In Colorado Springs, respite services like those from SKSF and TRE help reduce caregiver stress, prevent burnout, and promote family wellbeing by allowing parents necessary breaks while ensuring their children receive specialized, one-on-one care.
Families can contact Zach’s Place directly through our website or call our office to schedule a tour. We encourage parents to visit and experience our inclusive preschool environment firsthand.
Yes. Zach’s Place is a licensed Universal Pre-K (UPK) provider. Eligible families can receive up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool per week in the year before kindergarten. Some families qualify for additional hours depending on income and other factors. Contact us to check your eligibility.
Our team will provide a checklist during the enrollment process, which may include health records, emergency contacts, and any necessary care plans. Preparing these in advance helps ensure a smooth transition for your child.
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.
