There's still time to sign up for free preschool in Pueblo. Here's what to know
Applications remain open for families to register for the state-funded Universal Preschool Colorado program in Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County School District 70.
Pueblo D60 is offering 15 hours of free weekly programming this fall to children who turn 4 by Oct. 1. Pueblo D70 is offering 12 free hours of weekly programming. Four-year-olds with qualifying factors pertaining to dual language learning, household income, housing status or an Individualized Education Plan may qualify for additional hours. Three-year-olds with qualifying factors also are eligible for programming.
Applications must be submitted online by visiting upk.colorado.gov.
Which providers still have openings for universal preschool?
Schools with space for new applicants in Pueblo D60 include Baca Elementary, Bessemer Elementary, Beulah Heights Elementary, Bradford Elementary, Columbian Elementary, Goodnight School, Heritage Elementary, Minnequa Elementary and Paragon Learning Center, according to Darlene Bermudez, early childhood development specialist at Pueblo D60.
Avondale Elementary, Liberty Point Elementary, Sierra Vista Elementary and Vineland Elementary are the four schools with openings in Pueblo D70, according to Lynnette Bonfiglio, public information officer for Pueblo D70.
In addition to schools within Pueblo D60 and Pueblo D70, families may choose to send children to nearby home-based and community-based providers participating in the universal preschool program. Families will be able to select up to five preferences in the application process.
Families can browse nearby school-based, home-based and community-based providers online at upk.colorado.gov.
How are students matched to providers?
Instead of a "first come, first served" program, universal preschool's seat-filling process consists of different rounds where a random selection process is used.
After families select five preferred providers in the application process, seat priorities at a given location are given to children of employees, returning students and siblings of students. Once all children with seat priorities are matched to particular location, remaining seats with will be filled through a random selection process. Children will be placed on a waitlists for all five of their preferred providers.
This process repeats until all children are matched to a provider. More information about universal preschool can be found on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website at cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-universal-preschool.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Universal preschool slots open at Pueblo D60 and Pueblo D70 schools
