Colorado Universal Preschool: Family Enrollment OPEN for 2026-27
Celebrating Early Childhood Champions
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Unlock the latest news, updates, and resources from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. From Colorado Universal Preschool and the early childhood workforce to community and family support, our channels keep you informed on all things vital for Colorado's children and families.

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The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is Hiring!

Join our team to have an impact on the lives of our youngest Coloradans, ensuring the Colorado children, families and providers are valued, healthy and thriving. View our current job openings, and keep checking back, as many more job opportunities will open in the coming months and weeks. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for regular notifications about job postings.

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Over 12,000 Applications Submitted to Date as Universal Preschool Enrollment Opens for the 2026–27 Program Year

Colorado’s Universal Preschool program saw unprecedented family engagement during the opening of enrollment for the 2026–27 program year, setting new records for application submissions, system traffic, and user participation since the program launched in 2023.

Saving Coloradans an Average of $6,300 Per Year, Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program Opens Enrollment for Upcoming 2026-27 Program Year While Current Year Enrollment Continues

After serving more than 87,000 Colorado children since launching in 2023, Colorado families can apply for the 2026-27 Universal Preschool Program, starting today, December 9, 2025. This exciting opportunity offers up to 15 hours of tuition-free, high-quality preschool for all children in the year before kindergarten, with additional hours available for qualifying families.

Colorado Department of Early Childhood Releases Independent Evaluation Report Highlighting Progress and Opportunities to Strengthen Early Childhood Systems

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) released findings from a legislatively required, independent evaluation of its first three years of operation, offering Coloradans a transparent look at the Department’s early progress, accomplishments, and opportunities for growth.
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About the Department of Early Childhood

Mission

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high quality and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado’s young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings.

Vision

All Colorado children, families, and early childhood professionals are valued, healthy and thriving.