Age Requirements
Students must be five years old by October 1 to enter kindergarten and six by October 1 to enter first grade.
Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program will provide up to 15 hours per week of free, high-quality, voluntary preschool to every four-year-old Colorado child in their year before entering kindergarten.
Note: to be eligible for preschool during the 2023-24 school year, a child must be at least three years old and younger than five years old on October 1, 2023.
Learn more about the new Universal Preschool Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How and when do I enroll my child in preschool for the 2023-24 school year?
Starting in the 2023-24 school year, Jeffco families who have a child that turns 4 years old on or before October 1, 2023 will be able to take advantage of 15 hours per week of free preschool provided by the new Universal Preschool Program (UPK) offered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC).
Jeffco families can enroll in UPK for the 2023-24 school year starting January 17, on the CDEC Universal Preschool Family Portal.
Jeffco families who have a child that turns 3 years old on or before October 1, 2023 will use EnrollJeffco starting January 17 to enroll in preschool for the 2023-24 school year.
My child has never attended kindergarten and will be 6 years old before October 1. Can we still enroll in kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year?
Yes, you may apply for kindergarten at the school(s) of your choice.
My 6-year-old attended school outside of Jeffco but we would like to attend kindergarten in Jeffco.
If your child has already attended kindergarten in another district/school, and you would like them to attend again, reach out to the Jeffco school you are interested in attending directly to begin the retention process.
What if my child attended kindergarten in Jeffco and I would like them to have another year in kindergarten?
If your child has already attended kindergarten and you would like them to attend again, reach out to the school directly to begin the retention process.
Can my preschooler get another year in preschool even if they turn 5 years old by October 1?
No. Beginning in 2023, Universal Preschool is specifically for every Colorado child in their year before entering kindergarten.
Is there a guide for preschool and kindergarten enrollment?
An updated guide is coming soon. For more information on the Universal Preschool Program, visit: