What Is Universal Pre-K and How Does Zach’s Place Make It Easy for Colorado Families
What Is Colorado's Universal Pre-K Program?
Colorado's Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is a statewide initiative that guarantees every child access to free, high-quality preschool in the year before they start kindergarten. The program is designed to give children a strong educational foundation — regardless of family income, background, or ability — before they enter the K-12 system.
Through UPK, eligible families can access up to 15 hours of preschool per week at no cost. Families who meet additional qualifying criteria — such as household income thresholds, foster care status, or a child with an active IEP — may qualify for additional hours, up to full-time enrollment.
Colorado's UPK program is administered through approved preschool providers across the state. Zach's Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center is one of those approved providers right here in Colorado Springs.
Who Is Eligible for Colorado Universal Pre-K?
Most 4-year-olds in Colorado qualify for the base UPK benefit of 15 hours per week. Here's the standard eligibility breakdown:
Standard UPK Eligibility:
- Child must be 4 years old on or before October 1 of the enrollment year
- Child must be enrolled in the year immediately before kindergarten entry
- Child must be a Colorado resident
Children Who May Qualify for Additional Hours:
- Children from households that meet income-based criteria
- Children in foster care or from homeless families
- Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Children who are English language learners
- Children whose parent or guardian is on active military duty
If your child has an IEP, the enrollment process works a little differently. Families should coordinate with their Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) to determine the right preschool placement and how UPK hours will be applied. Zach's Place works directly with families navigating this process and is experienced in serving children with a wide range of learning needs.
Three-year-olds are not eligible for UPK but may qualify for preschool services through their local school district. Contact your district for more information.
Why Choose Zach's Place as Your UPK Provider in Colorado Springs?
As a licensed UPK provider, Zach's Place offers something most preschools in Colorado Springs don't: a truly inclusive classroom experience that benefits every child.
We have been providing licensed childcare and preschool services in the Pikes Peak region since 1998. Our facility, Zach's Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center, is the only licensed childcare facility in the region that offers specialized care for youth with disabilities alongside their neurotypical peers.
Choosing Zach's Place for your child's UPK year means:
- A structured curriculum with individualized support for every learner
- Exposure to peers of different abilities — which builds empathy, social intelligence, and adaptability
- Experienced, compassionate staff trained to support children of all developmental levels
- A registered nurse on staff
- Flexible scheduling Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Before and after care available beyond UPK hours
- Sliding fee scale for hours beyond what UPK covers — no family is turned away for inability to pay
UPK covers a set number of hours, but many families need more than 15 hours per week. At Zach's Place, additional hours beyond your UPK allocation are available on a flexible, income-adjusted fee basis — making full-day or extended care genuinely accessible for working families.
What Does a UPK Day Look Like at Zach's Place?
A typical preschool day at Zach's Place is designed to be engaging, joyful, and developmentally rich. We go far beyond worksheets and circle time.
Your child's day might include:
- Morning meeting and calendar activities to build routines and number sense
- Structured learning in literacy, early math, and language development
- Creative arts — painting, drawing, music, and storytelling
- Life skills practice: how to prepare simple meals, care for their space, and interact in the community
- Active outdoor play and movement
- The Gardens Grow program — our therapeutic garden space where children learn about nature, grow plants, and build confidence through hands-on discovery
- Community field trips — the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, local parks, and more
Our goal is kindergarten readiness in every sense — not just academic, but social, emotional, and practical. Children who leave Zach's Place for kindergarten arrive prepared, confident, and accustomed to a structured, supportive learning environment.
How to Enroll in UPK at Zach's Place
Getting started with UPK at Zach's Place is easier than you might think. Here's the process:
- Apply online — visit sksfcolorado.org to complete your enrollment application
- Gather your paperwork — you'll need your child's shot records (or an exemption form) and a current physical
- Schedule a site visit — we'll tour the facility with you and complete an intake assessment of your child so we can support them well from the very first day
If you have questions about UPK eligibility, IEP coordination, or what to expect during your visit, our team is ready to help. Just give us a call at 719-447-8983. We'll walk you through every step.
Don't Miss the UPK Enrollment Window
UPK slots at approved providers fill up quickly each year, and Zach's Place is no exception. Families who register early in the summer are in the best position to secure their preferred schedule and program structure for the fall.
If your child will be 4 before October 1, 2026, now is the time to connect with us. Free preschool is available — and we're here to help your family take full advantage of it.
Enroll in Colorado's Universal Pre-K program at Zach's Place. Call 719-447-8983 or visit sksfcolorado.org to schedule your site visit and begin enrollment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Pre-K in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Pre-K in Colorado Springs
Colorado's Universal Pre-K program provides eligible 4-year-olds with up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool per week in the year before kindergarten. The program is statewide and available to all Colorado-resident children who meet age requirements. Families with qualifying circumstances may be eligible for additional funded hours.
Is Zach's Place an approved UPK provider in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Zach's Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center is a licensed preschool and approved Universal Pre-K provider. Families can use their UPK hours at Zach's Place and supplement with additional hours at an income-adjusted rate if needed.
Can a child with an IEP use Universal Pre-K at Zach's Place?
Yes, children with an IEP are eligible for UPK — and may qualify for additional funded hours. Families with children who have an active IEP should coordinate enrollment through their Special Education Administrative Unit (AU). Zach's Place has extensive experience supporting children with IEPs and works closely with families through this process.
What if my child needs more than 15 hours of preschool per week?
UPK covers up to 15 hours per week for most families. Zach's Place offers flexible extended care Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Additional hours beyond your UPK allocation are billed on a sliding fee scale based on household income, so full-day or before-and-after care is accessible for working families.
How do I apply for Universal Pre-K at Zach's Place?
Start by visiting sksfcolorado.org to complete the enrollment application. You'll need your child's immunization records and a current physical. From there, we'll schedule a site visit and intake assessment. You can also call us at 719-447-8983 to speak with someone directly.
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FAQs about SKSF Child Care in Colorado Springs
Yes. In addition to our sliding-fee scale, Colorado families may qualify for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), child care tax credits, and free preschool hours through Colorado’s UPK program. Our team can help connect you with information on any of these options during your intake visit.
Yes. Our staff are trained to support children with diverse developmental needs in a structured, nurturing environment. We encourage families to share specific care details during enrollment discussions so we can ensure the best experience.
Zach’s Place serves children ages 2.5 through 18, making us one of the few child care and respite programs in the Colorado Springs area that supports children across such a broad age range. This includes school-age children who need care before and after the school day as well as children who require specialized support during those hours.
A preschool day includes structured learning, creative expression through art and music, outdoor play, life-skills development, and social engagement. Activities are designed to support cognitive, emotional, and physical development in a nurturing environment.
Our after-school programming includes homework support, life skills practice, creative activities (art, music, storytelling), outdoor and physical play, community outings to Colorado Springs destinations, and participation in our Gardens Grow therapeutic gardening program. Every afternoon is intentionally structured to keep children engaged, supported, and growing.
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.
SKSF in Colorado Springs offers a wide range of programs including foster care, behavioral health support, community day programs, mentorship opportunities, counseling, workforce development, and specialized respite care like Zach’s Place at The Laurie Hillyard Family Center. These comprehensive services support families beyond childcare to enhance overall quality of life.
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.
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.
An inclusive preschool brings together children of all abilities in one shared learning environment. Children learn alongside peers with diverse strengths and learning styles, helping them develop communication skills, empathy, confidence, and cooperation in a natural classroom setting.
