Because of the great response, and to accommodate the changes providers have made, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is extending the Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado application window! The UPK Colorado application window will reopen on Friday, Feb. 17 and close Friday, Feb. 24.
During this window, families who have already selected their providers can revisit their application to reevaluate their choices and ensure they still have the best providers selected to meet their needs for the 2023-24 school year. New families can also submit an application before the first round of matching.
After the Round 1 application window closes, the CDEC will take the first round of applicants and begin the matching process. By March 30, families will receive an email from the state letting them know which provider they were matched with and the next steps for enrollment at their matched provider.
As a reminder, UPK Colorado is not a first-come, first-served program. All applications submitted by Feb. 24 are part of Round 1 and will be matched together. Families can begin their application at any time and return to it as many times as needed before submitting.
Have questions about the UPK Colorado application process? Call 303-866-5223 or email cdec_upkcolorado@state.co.us.