Help Paying for Preschool in Colorado (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Colorado families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start
Free, federally funded preschool (Head Start for ages 3–5, Early Head Start under 3). It's for families at or below the federal poverty line — or who qualify on other factors. Income limits in Colorado (2026):
| Household size | Income at or below (100% FPL, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
You can also qualify regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Find a Head Start program in Colorado →
Public pre-K in Colorado
Colorado's public pre-K, Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), is open to all age-eligible children regardless of income (all children age 4 by October 1 get 15 free hours/week the year before kindergarten; more hours by qualifying factors) — free, though seats can be limited, so apply early. Official Colorado program info →
Childcare subsidy in Colorado
Separate from preschool programs, Colorado's childcare subsidy — Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) — helps working families pay for care, for income up to at least 185% of the federal poverty level (county minimum; some counties set higher, up to 85% SMI). County-administered — entry limits vary by county. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Colorado
See also: when your child can start school in Colorado · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.