As the first enrollment round draws to a close, Colorado families are being urged to apply for Universal Preschool before the upcoming deadlines.
The deadline for Universal Preschool (UPK) enrollment is fast approaching, with two key dates looming in early February. Families are being reminded that time is running out to secure their spot in the highly anticipated program designed to help prepare children for academic success.
Key Deadlines for Universal Preschool Enrollment
The first critical deadline for families applying for UPK falls on February 5, marking the cutoff for the first round of provider matches. Those who apply by this date are more likely to be matched with their top-choice preschool. For many families, this is a make-or-break moment to ensure their child’s place in a top-rated program.
In addition, February 3 is the final day for families already enrolled in the program or those continuing care with a provider to pre-register. This applies to families with a sibling already in the program or whose family members are employed by a participating provider.
For those who miss these deadlines, the final opportunity to secure a place will be the March 5 deadline. After this date, families can continue to apply directly to providers as space allows, but they will no longer have access to the matching process.
Governor’s Support for Universal Preschool Initiative
Governor Jared Polis has been vocal about the importance of UPK for the state, noting that it has saved Coloradans an average of $6,100 per year, while giving children the foundation they need for future success. Polis expressed excitement about the growing participation rate, with over 19,000 applications already submitted for the upcoming school year.
“Free preschool is saving Coloradans an average of $6,100 every year while giving students the best possible start. We are thrilled that so many families have already signed up for the next school year to better prepare their child for success,” Governor Polis said.
Universal Preschool’s Impact on Families
The program, which has been a significant step forward for early childhood education in Colorado, has already proven successful in matching families with their first or second choice of preschool providers. According to Program Director Dawn Odean, “With one in three eligible children enrolled for the upcoming year and a history of matching 90% of families with their first or second choice, it’s exciting to see that our continuous improvement and strong partnerships across the state are delivering real results for families.”
As the demand for free, quality preschool continues to rise, the program is expanding rapidly. Families across the state are reaping the benefits of this initiative, which is seen as a major investment in the future of Colorado’s children.
How to Apply and What to Expect
Families can apply online at the UPK.Colorado.Gov website, where they can also find resources and guidance on the enrollment process. The state has made efforts to streamline the process, with user-friendly interfaces and customer support for those needing assistance.
If you’re considering applying, make sure to check the deadlines carefully and be aware of the benefits of applying early. The higher your chances of getting your first-choice preschool provider are, the more likely your child will start their educational journey on the right foot.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or continuing in the program, don’t miss out on the opportunity to secure your child’s spot in Colorado’s Universal Preschool program.