Saving Coloradans an Average of $6,300 Per Year, Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program Opens Enrollment for Upcoming 2026-27 Program Year While Current Year Enrollment Continues

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STATEWIDE ~ Colorado Families Can Now Apply for Universal Preschool Program for 2026-27 School Year

As the 2025 school year comes to an end, Colorado families are already looking ahead to the next school year and the exciting opportunity of enrolling their children in the Universal Preschool Program. This program, which has been serving over 87,000 children since its launch in 2023, offers up to 15 hours of tuition-free, high-quality preschool for all children in the year before kindergarten. Families can now apply for this program starting today, December 9, 2025.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm for this program, stating that families across the state have been saving an average of $6,300 per year on free preschool. He encouraged families to take advantage of this opportunity and sign up their children today.

Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), also emphasized the importance of investing in high-quality early education. She believes that giving young learners a strong foundation will lead to lifelong success and healthier communities. With Colorado's commitment to early learning, every child has the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential.

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The Universal Preschool Program has been transforming lives and moving Colorado from 27th to 3rd in national preschool enrollment. This aligns with Governor Polis' priorities and shows how this program is making a positive impact on families across the state.

To enroll in the program, families can visit UPK.Colorado.Gov and follow these steps: explore providers by browsing profiles of over 2,000 licensed programs statewide; submit an application by selecting preferred providers; accept a match when notified; and finalize enrollment directly with the chosen provider. Families can also directly enroll with providers throughout the program year as space is available.

For those needing assistance with enrolling, there are multiple resources available such as visiting Help.Upk.Colorado.Gov, emailing universalpreschool@state.co.us, or calling 303-866-5223. Interpreters are also available in over 100 languages.

It is important for families to be aware of key enrollment deadlines, including December 9, 2025 for family registration and pre-registration window opening; February 2, 2026 for matches to be shared with families; and April 1, 2026 for direct enrollment to start. Colorado's innovative enrollment process offers multiple pathways for families to find the best fit for their child.

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Dawn Odean, Universal Preschool Program Director, shared that in the current program year, they are serving 70% of all age-eligible children and anticipate continued growth. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve the program and strong partnerships across Colorado that help families secure the preschool placements that best meet their needs.

For more information and frequently asked questions about the Universal Preschool Program, families can visit CDEC's Universal Preschool Family Information website. With this program, Colorado is paving the way for a brighter future for its children and families.

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