At Global Village International (GVI) Preschool, we believe every child deserves access to top-quality early childhood education, regardless of a family’s financial background. Serving children ages 6 weeks to 13 years from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm daily in Aurora, CO, our Colorado 4-star award-winning nonprofit is committed to supporting our diverse community through bilingual English-Spanish education and accessible resources.
Balancing household expenses alongside high-quality childcare can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure which state, local, and community programs apply to your family. By combining tuition assistance programs with household food support, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
1. Denver Preschool Program (DPP)
If your family lives within the City and County of Denver—even if you commute to Aurora for work or prefer a bilingual program like GVI—the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) provides tuition credits that directly lower your monthly bill.
Eligibility by Address: Your family must reside at a valid address within the City and County of Denver.
Eligibility by Age: DPP provides tuition credits for all Denver 4-year-olds in their last year before kindergarten. Additionally, through its Preschool for 3s initiative, DPP offers tuition support for a limited number of 3-year-olds who turn three on or before October 1.
How It Helps: Funding is available year-round regardless of immigration status or neighborhood, and DPP tuition credits can be layered on top of state programs (like UPK and CCCAP) to cover wrap-around care or summer months.
2. Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps working families, parents searching for employment, or parents in school pay for a significant portion of their child care costs. Because GVI serves children from 6 weeks through 13 years old, CCCAP is a vital resource for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children needing before- and after-school care.
Eligibility by Income & Family Size: Qualification is determined by your household size and gross monthly income. Under statewide guidelines, counties assist families earning at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level at initial application (for example, up to roughly $4,956 per month for a family of four), with higher exit limits once enrolled so families can grow their income without immediately losing care.
How It Helps: Once approved through your county's Department of Human Services, CCCAP pays the majority of your tuition directly to your childcare provider, leaving your family with a manageable, sliding-scale monthly copay.
3. Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)
Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) is a statewide program designed to ensure every child has access to early learning before entering kindergarten.
Free for All 4-Year-Olds: Every child in Colorado who turns 4 years old on or before October 1 of the school year is eligible for at least 15 hours per week of tuition-free preschool, regardless of household income. Families with specific qualifying factors may receive up to 30 hours per week.
Qualifying 3-Year-Olds: Children who turn 3 on or before October 1 may qualify for part-time (10 hours per week) UPK funding if they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or meet specific qualifying factors, such as low household income, dual-language learner status, or housing instability.
How It Helps: UPK funds are applied directly toward your child’s tuition at participating providers, drastically reducing the out-of-pocket cost of full-day care.
4. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Lowering your childcare bill is only half of the equation—freeing up room in your monthly household budget makes affording quality care much easier. SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides monthly funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy groceries for your family.
Eligibility: In Colorado, families with gross monthly incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (up to $5,360/month for a household of four) may qualify.
The Hidden Childcare Benefit: Qualifying for SNAP doesn't just offset your grocery bill; participating in SNAP also serves as a categorical qualifying factor for additional preschool funding, helping 3-year-olds qualify for UPK and helping 4-year-olds secure extra UPK hours.
5. The GVI Food Bank
At Global Village International Preschool, our nonprofit mission extends beyond the classroom walls to support the whole family. Navigating applications for state and county programs takes time, and unexpected expenses can strain any household budget.
Immediate, No-Barrier Support: Our on-site GVI Food Bank provides enrolled families and local community members with fresh produce, pantry staples, and family essentials at no cost.
Stretching Your Budget: By picking up groceries right where your child learns and plays, you save both time and money—ensuring nutritious meals are always on the table while keeping more of your paycheck dedicated to your family's stability.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
You do not have to navigate these applications alone. Whether you are applying for UPK, checking your county's CCCAP guidelines, layering DPP credits, or visiting our food bank, the team at Global Village International Preschool is here to walk you through every step. Contact our Aurora center today or visit gvipreschools.org to learn more about enrollment and financial support.