If funding allows, some children who are “low-income” (household income at or below 270% of the federal poverty guidelines – see image below) AND have a “qualifying factor” may qualify for additional UPK funding/hours.
These qualifying factors include:
- Child is identified as homeless and/or unhoused.
- Child is multilingual, learning two or more languages at the same time.
- Child is eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Child lives “in poverty”, or has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Child is currently in foster or kinship care.
To find out more information on qualifying factors and federal poverty guidelines here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Additional hours are not guaranteed as they depend on confirmation of a family’s eligibility and available funding.
Federal Poverty Guidelines
NOTES ON HOUSEHOLD
SIZE & INCOME
Annual household income is defined as
The total combined pre-tax income received by all members of a household within a 12 month period.
This includes pre-tax wages, salaries, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits, pensions, retirement income welfare payments, and income from other sources.
Household size is defined as
The number of people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence.
For example, if you are a household with 2 adults and 1 child, your household size is “3.” If your household consists of 3 adults and 3 children, please enter “6”.
Low-Income Vs. In Poverty
To be considered ‘low-income,’ a child’s parent or guardian’s gross monthly income must not exceed 270% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG), based on household size as shown in the table.
To be considered ‘in poverty,” a child’s parent or guardian’s gross monthly income must not exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG), based on the household size as shown in the table.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
If you do not qualify for additional UPK funding, you may qualify for support through the CCCAP. Learn more about CCCAP eligibility and how to apply.
