Free Universal Preschool for 4-year-olds in Aurora — Colorado UPK
Through Colorado's Universal Preschool Program (UPK), every child who turns 4 by October 1, 2026 gets 10 free preschool hours a week — with no income requirement. Many Aurora families qualify for more, up to a full day. If your family speaks a language other than English at home, that alone can qualify your child for additional funded hours — and we'll help you check.
Free help with your UPK application · English, Spanish, Arabic, Somali & Urdu · No obligation
NEW FAMILY WELCOME OFFER
$500 tuition credit + no registration fee
Enroll while we still have open spots and we'll apply a $100 tuition credit each month during months 2–6 of enrollment — $500 total — and waive your registration fee.
Your state-funded UPK hours are already free. This credit goes toward the wrap-around hours — the early mornings, late afternoons, and full days that UPK doesn't cover.
New families only (no child enrolled within the past 60 days). The offer runs until our open spots are filled; Bright Stars may end it at any time for families who have not yet enrolled, and a family that enrolls while it is running remains eligible for the full credit. Credit applied as $100 a month during months 2–6 of continuous enrollment; full offer for full-time enrollments, 50% for part-time and school-age. Applies to privately paid tuition only — CCCAP parent fees are set by your county (as a Colorado Shines Level 4 program, CCCAP families automatically pay 20% lower parent fees here), and UPK preschool hours for 4-year-olds are already free through the State of Colorado. One offer per child; tuition credit only, no cash value; not combinable with other offers; subject to seat availability.
How Colorado Universal Preschool works
UPK is a state program, not a Bright Stars program — the funding follows your child to whichever approved provider you choose.
Who qualifies
Every Colorado child who turns 4 by October 1, 2026 — regardless of income, employment, or immigration status.
What you get
Ten free preschool hours per week for the 2026–27 school year, paid directly to your provider by the state — and more if your family qualifies.
Who gets more
Families with qualifying factors — lower income, dual-language learners, IEPs, foster care, or homelessness — can receive additional funded hours.
What "free" covers — and what it doesn't
Those hours are fully state-funded at every participating provider. Most working families need more than UPK covers, and that difference is paid by tuition, CCCAP for qualifying families who hold benefits, or — for Denver residents — Denver Preschool Program credits.
Denver families: if you live in the City and County of Denver, the Denver Preschool Program gives your 3- or 4-year-old tuition credits regardless of income or immigration status, and credits are larger at higher quality-rated providers. Bright Stars is Colorado Shines Level 4 — the tier that earns the largest DPP credits, and DPP covers hours that UPK does not. How DPP works and where we stand with it.
How to apply, step by step
The whole application takes about 20 minutes. If you get stuck, bring it to us — we do this with families every week.
- 01
Create your account at UPK.Colorado.Gov
The state application is free and works on your phone. You'll need your child's name, birth date, and your address — no income documents.
Open UPK.Colorado.Gov - 02
Rank Bright Stars as your provider
Search for “Bright Stars Child Care” — we're an approved UPK provider on the Havana corridor in Aurora. Put us first to match with us.
- 03
Accept your match
The state matches children to providers in late winter and spring, but direct enrollment continues year-round as space allows. It is not too late to apply mid-year.
- 04
Finish enrollment with us
Bring your match letter to a tour. We complete the paperwork with you — in English, Spanish, Arabic, Somali, or Urdu.
Book a tour
Stuck on the application? We help families complete UPK applications in Spanish, Arabic, Somali, and Urdu — we speak your language.
UPK at Bright Stars
Every approved provider offers the same state-funded hours. What differs is the classroom your child spends them in — and what happens the rest of your work week.
Colorado Shines Level 4
One of the state's highest quality tiers — research-backed curriculum, low ratios, and ongoing teacher training.
Open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
UPK covers 10–30 hours depending on your family. We cover the rest of your workday, so you never need a second arrangement.
Paperwork help in 5 languages
We sit down with families and complete the UPK application together in English, Spanish, Arabic, Somali, or Urdu.
Meals & snacks included
USDA-approved breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack every day — no lunchboxes, no extra fees.
A day in our pre-K room
Your state-funded UPK hours sit inside this day — the rest is extended care.
Kindergarten-ready skills
Reading & math readiness
Letter sounds, name writing, counting, patterns, and early problem-solving — the specific skills kindergarten teachers screen for.
Executive function
Working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, built through routines and small-group work rather than worksheets.
Confidence & communication
Asking for help, taking turns, resolving conflict, and speaking up in a group — what actually determines a smooth first month of kindergarten.
What to bring to enrollment
- Child's birth certificate
- Up-to-date immunization records
- Physical examination form
- Proof of Colorado residence
- Your UPK match letter (if you already have one)
No proof of income is needed — UPK has no income requirement.
UPK questions parents ask
Looking for Pre-K near me in Aurora, CO?
We serve families across Aurora and east Denver from our center at 1155 S Havana St #25, Aurora, CO 80012. Explore our nearby location pages to find us fast.
Come see the pre-K room
Meet the teachers, see the classroom, and we'll go through your UPK application together — in your language, with no obligation.