The Colorado Department of Education

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Information for Families

What Is CPP?

In 1988, the Colorado General Assembly created the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) to serve the young children in Colorado who face educational challenges due to family, economic or developmental concerns.

  • CPP provides free high quality preschool to eligible children through participating school districts and partnering community sites. There is no fee for children who qualify.
  • Children are funded to attend preschool for a minimum of 10 hours per week during the school year. Preschool programs meet quality standards and limit class size to sixteen children with an adult-to-child ratios of one-to-eight.
  • Support services for families are part of the program and families are involved as partners in their child’s education experience.
Why Should I Send My Children To Preschool?

Schooling is an essential part of life and the early childhood years can provide a strong foundation for your child to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a successful learner. The Colorado Preschool Program recognizes families as the key influence in a young child’s life. A preschool program can not only stimulate your child and help them develop the necessary knowledge and skills to expand beyond home, but also can support you in your role as a parent.
 
Who Is Eligible?

Each district and preschool has a limited number of openings and often cannot accommodate all families who apply.

Child and family eligibility factors that affect overall learning readiness must be present in a child’s life in order for a child to qualify for CPP. These factors are defined by the legislature, and they are not based solely on income.

If We Move, Will My Child Stay in CPP?

Since each school district manages its own program, your child’s spot in CPP cannot be transferred. If you move to a new school district, you will need to go through the enrollment process again in the new district. Because resources are limited, availability for placement cannot be guaranteed when a family moves from district to district.

 
How Old Must Children Be?

The eligibility date for preschool is the same as the eligibility date for kindergarten in your district. Most children in CPP attend preschool the year before they are eligible to attend kindergarten. If a child is age eligible to attend kindergarten, they cannot be funded by CPP for a second year in preschool.

A limited number of younger children, who will not be able to attend kindergarten for two years, can be funded by CPP but they have to meet additional qualifying factors. There also may be some opportunities for extended day services.

How Do I Apply?

School district advisory councils coordinate the determination of eligibility and enrollment for CPP. When applying to the program you will be asked to provide information about your child and family, and your child will participate in a developmental screening. All information is strictly confidential and used for the sole purpose of determining need/eligibility for the preschool program. You can contact your local school district to begin enrollment procedures or to ask for more information about CPP.

To find out about CPP options in your community, click here to find the school district contact who can help you with enrollment.

 Not Sure of your School District?

If you are not sure in which school district you live, please contact a regional consultant for assistance:

 


Click here for more information on child care options, directories, and family links.
 


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