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Dear Colorado UPK Families,
Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program is part of a mixed-delivery early childhood system, giving families access to preschool through a diverse network of providers and settings across the state. Strong partnerships among families, providers, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Early Childhood Councils (ECCs), and community partners make this system possible.
ECCs play an important local role by connecting families and providers with early childhood resources, coordinating community partnerships and helping communities respond to local needs. Under Senate Bill 26-019, responsibilities previously held by Local Coordinating Organizations (LCOs) transitioned to ECCs beginning July 1, 2026. This change is part of a broader effort to streamline Colorado’s early childhood system and strengthen coordination at the local level. ECCs continue to provide local connections, referrals and support for navigating the early childhood system, but they no longer have access to directly make changes to UPK applications or resolve UPK account issues. Families who need assistance with an application or account should use the CDEC UPK support process.
CDEC provides statewide leadership and coordination for the early childhood system, including UPK, while ECCs bring local knowledge and relationships to support families and providers in their communities. Together, CDEC and ECCs are working to strengthen support and make the UPK experience easier to navigate.
What Families Need to Know
We know this is an important time of year as families prepare for preschool. CDEC is taking steps to strengthen UPK support, including expanding staff training and technical assistance, increasing office hours, and using additional resources to respond to support requests.
A help desk backlog does not prevent a child from being enrolled in a UPK program. UPK matching and direct enrollment processes determine a child’s placement independently of help desk response times. If a family needs help resolving an enrollment issue, CDEC staff and UPK Contact Center agents can make the necessary updates to an application so the family can complete enrollment with their provider.
Families can also find answers to many common questions in the Family Handbook and other resources on the Colorado Universal Preschool website.
Thank you for being part of Colorado’s Universal Preschool community.
Best,
Colorado Universal Preschool
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