Universal Preschool Program

  • Universal Preschool and Mapleton Public Schools working together!

    As a community leader in Early Childhood Education, we believe a quality preschool program can spark a lifetime love of learning in a child, and assure our preschool classrooms are staffed by compassionate, qualified, and licensed experts in childhood education. 

    Mapleton is committed to being a strong Universal Preschool Program, or UPK, provider for our community. We will continue to offer half-day and full-day programming and are excited to serve your family!

     

    What is Universal Preschool?

    Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) will fund up to 15 hours per week of high-quality, voluntary preschool for every child four years of age by October 1 in Colorado for the year before entering kindergarten.  This is made possible through the state’s new Universal Preschool Program, or UPK, approved by voters in 2020.

    In addition to the free half-day preschool for all 4-year-olds, UPK supports additional hours for 4-year-old students and part-time preschool for 3-year-olds with qualifying factors.   

    The Universal Preschool Program (UPK) allows families to choose the right setting for their child, whether it is in a licensed community-based, school-based, or home-based preschool setting. 

  • How do I apply for preschool?

    All parents and caregivers regardless of income, county, or school district MUST APPLY for a preschool spot using the Universal Preschool Program (UPK) family portal from the state. This includes new families, returning families, and Mapleton employees.

    Your child will be matched to a preschool program. Once you accept the match, you will receive instructions on how to complete the enrollment process through Mapleton Public Schools. This process may take up to four weeks.

     

    Who is eligible? 

    4-year-olds (must be 4 on or before Oct. 1, 2023)

    If your child is 4 years old (born between Oct. 2, 2018, and Oct. 1, 2019) you should apply for preschool through the Universal Preschool Program (UPK) family portal.

     

    3-year olds

    If your child is 3 years old (born between Oct. 2, 2019, and Oct. 1, 2020) you must also apply for preschool through the Universal Preschool Program (UPK) family portal to determine eligibility for funding.  Some three-year-olds will qualify for tuition-free half-day preschool based on eligibility factors.  Those factors include Special Education eligibility, income status, homelessness, foster child, and dual language learner. 

    If your 3-year-old is not eligible or you would like to bypass the chance to apply for funding for your 3-year-old, you may apply for Mapleton Public Schools Early Childhood Education tuition program beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1. Apply here. 
  • Application for Free Preschool Click here to start your application!