How Saddle Rock Families Can Pay for Preschool: UPK & CCCAP Explained

Quick Answer 

Colorado offers two programs that can significantly reduce or eliminate preschool tuition for eligible families: Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) and the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Highpointe Academy – Saddle Rock participates in these programs, giving families in Saddle Rock and southeast Aurora a clearer path to quality early learning. 

When the Cost of Preschool Feels Like the Whole Conversation 

A child settles into the preschool room on the first morning, finds a bin of building materials, and gets to work. Within minutes, she is absorbed in something real. The adults in the room watch, offer a word here, a question there, and the morning opens up. That kind of day is exactly what families hope for when they picture preschool. 

The harder part is getting there. For many Colorado families, the decision about preschool is shaped as much by the monthly tuition line as by anything they see on a tour. Two state programs exist specifically to change that, and families at HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock may be able to access both. 

If you have been researching preschool programs in Saddle Rock, southeast Aurora, or nearby communities, you may have come across the terms UPK and CCCAP without a clear explanation of what they cover, who qualifies, or how to get started. This guide covers all of that. 

What Families Actually Gain from These Programs 

The state of Colorado has invested in early childhood access because research consistently shows that quality early learning experiences shape how children develop language, relationships, and the habits of mind that carry them into kindergarten and beyond. According to the CDC, the early years from birth through age five represent a period of rapid brain development, when consistent, responsive environments have lasting effects on learning and health. 

UPK and CCCAP are the state’s primary tools for making sure more children can reach those environments regardless of a family’s income or work schedule. 

Understanding both programs side by side helps families figure out which one applies to their situation and whether they can use both at the same time. 

 

Universal Preschool Colorado: What It Covers and Who Qualifies 

Universal Preschool Colorado, commonly called UPK, launched in the 2023–2024 school year. It provides up to 15 hours per week of free preschool for all Colorado four-year-olds, with no income requirement. Every child who turns four on or before October 1 of the program year is eligible. 

Families with children who have additional needs, including those with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or certain risk factors such as homelessness, foster care involvement, or a language other than English spoken at home, may qualify for up to 30 hours per week at no cost. 

Here is what the program covers in practice: 

• Tuition for the funded hours at an approved provider 

• No cost to families for those hours, regardless of household income 

• Flexibility to choose a participating program, including private early learning centers that have applied and been approved 

HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock participates in UPK, which means eligible families can apply their funded hours directly toward enrollment. Families who want more than the funded hours can add additional time at the center’s standard rate or explore whether CCCAP covers the gap. 

Enrollment for UPK opens through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s online matching system. Families create an account, list their preferred providers, and receive a placement based on their child’s eligibility hours and provider availability. 

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: Income-Based Support for Working Families 

CCCAP is a separate program designed to help income-eligible families afford child care across a wider age range, from infants through school age. While UPK focuses specifically on preschool-age children and a defined number of weekly hours, CCCAP is built around a family’s full schedule. 

Eligibility is based on household size and income. Families must also meet a work, school, or training requirement. Each Colorado county administers CCCAP locally, so application processes and waitlist timelines vary. Families in the Saddle Rock and southeast Aurora area apply through Arapahoe County. 

CCCAP pays a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale based on income. The family contributes a co-payment, and the program covers the remainder up to a set rate for the region. For many families, this brings monthly child care costs down significantly. 

A few things worth knowing before applying: 

• CCCAP can sometimes be used alongside UPK, covering the hours beyond what UPK funds 

• Waitlists exist in some counties and are managed separately from the enrollment process at a specific center 

• Families must reapply periodically to maintain eligibility 

HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock works with families navigating CCCAP. The enrollment team can help clarify what the program covers and what documentation the county office will need. 

 

How to Start the Process at HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock 

Starting with a conversation is the most practical first step. The HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock enrollment team is familiar with both programs and can help families understand current UPK availability, CCCAP, and the steps they may need to take before applying. 

For UPK, the key dates to know are the annual enrollment windows, which typically open in the spring for the following school year. Families who apply early have a better chance of matching with their preferred provider. 

For CCCAP, the county office is the first stop. Arapahoe County Department of Human Services handles applications for families in the Aurora and Saddle Rock area. 

Both programs require some paperwork, and the process takes time. Starting the conversation before the school year you are planning for makes a real difference in having everything in place before your child’s first day. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use UPK and CCCAP at the same time? 

In many cases, yes. UPK covers a set number of hours per week, and CCCAP can potentially cover additional hours of care that fall outside the funded portion. Families should discuss their full schedule with their county CCCAP office to understand how the two programs interact in their specific situation. 

My child is three years old. Can they still access any state funding for preschool? 

UPK is designed for four-year-olds, though children with an IEP or certain eligibility factors may qualify at age three. CCCAP has no age minimum and covers eligible children from infancy through school age, making it the more relevant program for families with younger children who need child care support. 

Does HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock participate in UPK? 

Yes. HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock participates in UPK. Availability of UPK spots may vary by enrollment season, so families should contact the school directly or reach out through the website to ask about current availability. 

What if I earn too much for CCCAP but UPK does not cover all the hours my child needs? 

Families in this situation pay for hours beyond what UPK funds at the center’s standard tuition rate. The HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock enrollment team can help families understand the cost for additional hours and whether other assistance options are available. 

How long does the CCCAP application take? 

Timelines vary and depend on current caseloads and waitlist status. Some families are approved within a few weeks; others may wait longer. Applying as early as possible, before your intended start date, gives you the best chance of having assistance in place when your child begins. 

 

Closing 

Colorado has built real pathways to help families access quality early learning, and HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock is set up to work within both of them. Families in Saddle Rock and southeast Aurora can bring their questions about UPK and CCCAP directly to the enrollment team and get clear answers before they commit to anything. 

Families choose HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock for caring staff, flexible care options, and a convenient location for families in Saddle Rock, southeast Aurora, and surrounding communities. The team would love to help your family understand what options may be available. 

Schedule a tour at HighPointe Academy – Saddle Rock to talk with our enrollment team about UPK, CCCAP, and what getting started looks like for your family.