Childcare Options by Age: Choosing Childcare in Denver
A practical guide that recognizes the range of care families may consider and helps families think through options based on their child’s age and needs.
FOR FAMILIES
A Strong Start
Finding the right child care, preschool and support for your family shouldn’t feel complicated or confusing. First Step Collective brings programs, resources and opportunities together to help Denver families find what they need in the early years.
A System that Works
Better Support. More Possibilities.
The early years come with a lot of decisions: finding care, choosing a preschool, understanding assistance programs and figuring out what support is available. Families shouldn’t have to navigate every piece on their own.
First Step Collective is working to make those pathways easier to understand and access. By connecting programs, resources and opportunities, we aim to reduce barriers, expand families’ choices and help them find the support that fits their needs.
Start Here
Support is Available Now
Whether you’re looking for help paying for preschool or exploring your options for the year ahead, these programs can help you take the next step.
DPP
Denver Preschool Program
DPP makes high-quality preschool possible for all Denver families. DPP helps Denver families find a preschool of their choice through more than 270 participating providers and lower preschool costs through tuition support. DPP currently offers tuition support to eligible Denver families with 4-year-olds, with a limited program for qualifying 3-year-olds.
COLORADO UPK
Universal Preschool Colorado
Funded by the State of Colorado, Colorado UPK can help eligible children access 15 hours of free preschool. In Denver, families can apply for UPK through participating providers and pair it with DPP tuition support to save even more.
First Step Collective partners with Denver’s Early Childhood Council to support Denver families and providers participating in Colorado UPK.
Insights & Ideas
Ideas and Resources for Families
From choosing child care to getting ready for preschool, we share practical information to help Denver families navigate the early years.
Guide to Early Childhood Resources in Denver
This guide brings together early childhood resources and ways to lower preschool costs, including DPP and Colorado UPK.
The Cost of Childcare in Denver and Ways to Save
Examine the rising cost of child care and preschool, including Denver-specific data and learn how DPP helps families find and afford preschool.