2026 -2027 Family Timelines

This document outlines the key milestones for the 2026-2027 Colorado Universal Preschool program year, focusing on the family registration, pre-registration, and matching rounds. It also details processes for non-IEP direct enrollment and IEP direct placement. 

Parents: your top 2 providers listed as "selected" in your application will be sent directly to providers for them to accept/decline. Once a provider has accepted, you will receive a match notification in your email prompting you to accept/decline on your end as well. 

If you need assistance changing/rearranging your choices please contact the Helpdesk

Direct Enrollment Transfers

So you want to transfer schools?

Questions to think about before you transfer your Universal Preschool funding:

• Do you have a new school in mind to transfer to?

  • Have you talked to that provider and confirmed they have an open Universal Preschool seat for your kiddo?

• Need to browse childcare in your area? Use this link

• When a child enrolls with two providers within the same month, CDEC will prorate the payment by the number of days the child was enrolled with each provider.

  • It is extremely important that providers use the correct start date when enrolling as well as using the correct end date when unenrolling as soon as they are notified. This will support CDEC in ensuring that payment is accurate.

Step 1:

Parents: Let your Current Provider (A) know that you will be leaving their center and coordinate an end date. Coordinate with New Provider (B) a start date for your kiddo.

Current Provider (A): Unenroll the child from your Universal Preschool Portal using the coordinated end date

• Current Provider (A) can select a future unenroll date (last date of attendance) which will allow a new provider to select their start date (after unenroll date) for the child.

Step 2:

Parents: After you see an Unenrolled status on your application, add your New Provider (B) to your application and list as #1 or #2.

• This new selection will be sent straight to the New Provider (B) directly for them to accept/decline

• If you are unable to add new selection, please reach out to the Helpdesk to unlock your application

New Provider (B): Check your Universal Preschool Portal for a new match, accept the child's application and let the family know they have been accepted.

• See Provider Handbook for details about accepting matches 

Step 3:

Parents: After a provider accepts your application, you will receive an email notification or communication from New Provider (B) that you have a new match. Go into your Universal Preschool application and accept the match.

• Parents, this is your last step in this process! No more Universal Preschool action is needed on your end. 

• Contact your New Provider (B) for details regarding their enrollment process.

Step 4: 

New Provider (B): Complete enrollment in your Universal Preschool Portal using the start date of your new student.

•    See Provider Handbook for details about enrolling students

Family Resources & Support

• • Universal Preschool Colorado Help Desk Ticket - Use this form to submit questions to the Universal Preschool Colorado help desk.

  • Please see additional information in the updated https://bit.ly/upkfamilyhandbook (pages 21 - 23)

  • Families can start browsing providers and review their eligibility for the program at http://upk.colorado.gov 

  • Program Website: Review the estimated enrollment timeline on the website. More information and resources are expected in the coming weeks. 

  • Have more questions or need help with Universal Preschool Colorado? Contact us using this short form or call tel:3038665223.

  • Subscribe to our Colorado Universal Preschool Newsletter! We appreciate your continued support, partnership, and input! – Colorado Universal Preschool Team