FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Hope Shuler | hope.shuler@state.co.us
Universal Pre-K Update: Thousands of Families Sign Up for UPK Colorado, Matches Will Be Released by April 26
DENVER — Colorado’s voter-approved universal preschool program will launch this Fall, and free universal preschool is estimated to save families thousands of dollars every year and will put Colorado’s youngest learners on the path to success. Since launching the application for UPK Colorado this January, over 29,000 families have signed up to participate in the state-funded high-quality, voluntary mixed delivery preschool program available to every child in the year before they are eligible to enter kindergarten.
To date, 1,808 providers have chosen to participate in this landmark program, which will help save families money and increase access to pre-k education.
Today, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) provided an update to parents, students and providers about matching. To maximize the likelihood of families receiving their first or second choice, allow for additional time that will enable providers to fully consider their capabilities to expand their offerings in the coming school year, and give families the opportunity to fine-tune their preferences, the department is extending the release of the first round of matching until April 26, 2023.
Families are being matched with providers through a mathematical algorithm known as the deferred acceptance algorithm (DAA).
CDEC created a video in English and Spanish to explain the matching process.
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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.