All children who reside in Colorado and turn 4 by Oct. 1, 2023, will be eligible for the Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado Program, which offers 10 to 15 hours a week of state-funded preschool. City of Aurora Preschools is excited to provide UPK at all five Colorado Shines-rated schools: Beck, Lowry, Meadowood, Summer Valley and Village Green.
Families can apply for UPK by visiting Upk.Colorado.gov/. Slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with considerations made for students already enrolled in a preschool program they wish to continue.
Fall 2023 preschool classes will begin Monday, Aug. 14, and run through May 2024. Participation in a pre-K environment rich in play, activities, learning and positive social interactions helps students transition to elementary school with a solid foundation.
“The city of Aurora Preschool Program strives to build a strong social and academic foundation for children in our preschools,” said Donna Hunt, superintendent of Youth Services. “Research shows that children who attend preschool programs have an improved academic readiness, lower incarceration rates and will tend to have higher earning jobs in the future. We are the start of the building blocks of education for our youth.”
Four-year-old students who meet the requirements may also qualify for an additional 15 hours of preschool, where available. Three-year-old students will also be eligible for 10 hours of preschool if they have qualifying factors.
Learn more about Aurora’s involvement in the UPK program, qualifying factors and the application process at AuroraGov.org/UniversalPreschool or by calling 303.739.6878.
Attached is a graphic appearing in city marketing materials to promote the Universal Preschool Program.
Source: City of Aurora
