Universal Preschool FAQs
Q. How do I apply for Universal Preschool (UPK)?
All families interested in Universal Preschool must apply at upk.colorado.gov You will select the top 3 schools you would consider attending. Please remember, if you want the option of transportation, you must put your boundary school as your 1st choice. You can check your address to verify what school is considered your boundary school by clicking here.
Q. How and when will I know if my child is accepted to 27Js Preschool Program?
Your application will be approved by 27J through the Universal Preschool website within 3-6 weeks of submitting your application. In addition, you will receive a welcome email from 27J with the next steps for registering from the Preschool Department.
Q: Where is preschool offered in 27J?
Preschool is offered at every elementary school in 27J with the exception of Discovery Magnet. 27J also offers preschool at an Early Childhood Center called Bright Beginnings. Bright Beginnings is a perfect fit for families wanting a smaller, preschool-only environment for their students. Bright Beginnings is located at 89 N 6th Avenue, Brighton CO 80601. Tours are available upon request.
Q. How old does my child have to be to participate in UPK?
Your child must turn 4 years old by October 1, 2025 to be eligible for UPK. No exceptions are made due to the state law. Please note, any child that can start Kindergarten (turning 5 years old by October 1, 2025) will not qualify for UPK funds per state law. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is making no exceptions to this!
Q. Do you still accept 3-year-olds?
Any student with a disability and an IEP automatically qualifies for preschool on their 3rd birthday and requires a UPK application. Additionally, school districts can accept 3-year-olds (without IEPs) with identified risk factors (homeless, low income, dual language, social services/foster care) as space allows. All families with a typically developing 3 year old must apply through 27J directly.
Q. I am having trouble with the state preschool application, who can help me?
If you are having trouble with the UPK application, please visit UPKs helpdesk. You can contact them by phone at 303-866-5223, or by email. *Please note, 27J Schools has no access or support available to troubleshoot the online state application as it is not administered by 27J Schools.
Q. I have been accepted into a 27J district preschool and need help with the Online Registration Process in Infinite Campus, who can help me?
If you have received your welcome letter from 27J Preschool Department and are having trouble with 27J’s Online Registration (OLR), you have several options: Contact your school’s registrar to get guidance on how to fill out the OLR. They have chromebooks available to help you in the office. Contact the 27J Schools Welcome Center by phone at 303-655-2748. Contact Rosario Monarrez by email at rmonarrez@sd27j.net. In-person appointments are also available. The Welcome Center is located at 1850 E. Egbert St. Suite G20, Brighton CO 80601. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
Q. What does 27Js Preschool Program offer?
27J offers 12 free hours of preschool per week on a half-day schedule, Tuesday through Friday. AM Session is 7:50-10:50 AM and PM Session is 12:30-3:30 PM. Preschool follows the traditional school calendar.
Q. What are the days and hours of preschool?
Preschool is Tuesday through Friday. AM session is 7:50-10:50 and PM session is 12:30-3:30. Preschool follows the traditional school calendar.
Q. What happens if my boundary (“home”) school is full?
If there is no space available at your boundary school, you will be offered the next available choice that was indicated on your UPK application.
Q. My child has disabilities and has an IEP, do I have to attend district preschool?
In order to receive the services and supports in your child’s IEP, they must be enrolled in and attend a 27J school. If you choose to attend a non-27J preschool, special education services will not be provided. Please note, if your child qualifies for an IEP, you still must apply for preschool through the state website at upk.colorado.gov.
Q. Is transportation offered for my child?
You may qualify for transportation free of charge if you attend your boundary (or “home”) school. You can check your address to verify what school is considered your boundary school by clicking here. If your child is accepted at your boundary school, information for contacting transportation will be included in your welcome email.
Q. My child is currently attending district preschool as a 3 year old, do I need to apply through the state to attend next school year?
Yes! Even though you currently have a child attending preschool this year, you have to apply at upk.colorado.gov to apply for next school year.
Q. Is there still a tuition program?
There is no tuition based preschool program due to the launch of Universal Preschool.
Q. My family was awarded more than 12 hours of free preschool through the State of Colorado, what are my options?
Based on your initial online application for UPK, the State of Colorado may have awarded you up to 30 hours of free preschool. 27Js Preschool Program is 12 hours per week. We do not offer any full day options. If you wish to accept all the hours provided from the state, you will need to find a preschool provider outside of 27J that offers full day options. The state does not allow you to use UPK funds in 2 locations; meaning you cannot attend 27J for a half day and a private provider for the other half.
Q. Am I done registering my child for preschool after I apply on the state website?
No, that is the first step in applying for Universal Preschool. If you receive a welcome letter from 27J, you will need to do the traditional registration process which includes filling out the Online Registration in Infinite Campus and providing the following documents: birth certificate, proof of residence, immunization records and a current health appraisal from your child's physician.
Q. When is the first day of preschool?
Please visit the district calendar.
Q. Will you accept every 4 year old that applies?
Due to space limitations, 27J has a set capacity of preschool students per elementary school. Get your application in early if you want to participate in 27Js Preschool Program, space is limited!
Q: I have concerns about my child’s development, can they still participate in UPK?
Yes, still apply at upk.colorado.gov If you have concerns about your child's language development, cognitive development or social skills development, please call our Child Find office and schedule a screening appointment at 303-655-2946 or email.