REVISION - Colorado Universal Preschool Provider Payments 24-25

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September 3, 2024

Colorado Universal Preschool Providers,

Thank you all for a successful launch of the 2024-25 program year! We are excited to be serving almost 40,000 children, surpassing this time last year! 

In the last few weeks, we have heard from many of you that the planned September 15 payment, which only included newly enrolled children after August 1, would create a potential funding flow impact to delivery of preschool services. With that in mind, we have worked toward a solution to ensure September 15 is a true August arrears payment inclusive of all children enrolled in August. The October payment would then follow as scheduled. Because the prepayment was made in August, that will be reconciled in May. See the payment process information below denoting these changes.

Colorado Universal Preschool PAYMENT SCHEDULE 2024-25

To support the start of the school year, CDEC processed one pre-payment for all children with an enrollment form, in an enrolled status and with a start date of August 1st - August 31st.  Providers received this payment on August 20th. All remaining Universal Preschool payments for the 2024-25 school year will be processed in arrears for children with an enrollment form and in an enrolled status during the previous month. Providers will receive payments monthly on the 15th. (A seat must be filled by the last day of the prior month to be included in the upcoming payment. A child that transfers from one provider to another will receive payment with the new provider during the next scheduled monthly payment.) 

 In May, a reconciliation of the pre-payment issued in August will be completed and the May 30th payment will include the reconciliation of the prepayment and the children newly enrolled from May 1-May 15th. 

Colorado Universal Preschool FUNDING AMOUNT 2024-25

Universal Preschool funding will be paid monthly (in arrears) for each child with an enrollment form and in an enrolled status. The Joint Budget Committee approved a two percent increase in appropriation for provider rates in the 24-25 school year. The rates were then run through the rate formula established in 8 CCR 1404-1, rule section 4.108(H) in alignment with state law.  Payments are based on the published rates by LCO and the individual child’s eligibility. 

Monthly payments are not prorated based on attendance but are based on enrollment status according to the payment schedule detailed below.

Four Year Old Payment Schedule 

*Payments are structured to be paid in arrears for children who are in an enrolled status on the last day of the month.

*Any payment issues will be reconciled quarterly.