COLORADO ~ As the February 2, 2026 deadline for the first round of Universal Preschool applications approaches, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is urging families to complete their applications for the 2026-27 program year. This program, which offers free high-quality preschool to families across Colorado, is seen as a crucial investment in the state's future.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized the importance of Universal Preschool, stating that it not only gives every child a strong start but also supports families and the workforce. He encouraged families to apply by the deadline in order to take advantage of this opportunity and increase their chances of getting their first choice.

Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of CDEC, also stressed the significance of this program for families. She stated that each application represents a family carefully considering what will best support their child's growth and learning. The application process is designed to be simple and accessible, taking less than five minutes to complete. Applying by the February 2 deadline ensures that families have access to a wide range of preschool options in their communities.

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The interest in Universal Preschool continues to grow statewide, with 23,431 applications already submitted for four-year-old children for the 2026-27 program year as of January 26, 2026. This steady pace reflects both increased awareness of the program and families' confidence in planning early for their child's preschool experience.

Universal Preschool offers up to 30 hours per week of free high-quality preschool and provides choices through a mixed-delivery system including state-licensed school districts, charter schools, child care centers, and community-based providers. Applying by the deadline allows families to maximize their options at one of over 2,000 participating providers and helps providers and communities plan effectively for the upcoming program year.

Key dates for enrollment in the 2026-27 program year include:

- February 2, 2026: Deadline to apply for the first round of provider matching.

- February 25, 2026: Families will be notified of their first-round preschool match.

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- March 6, 2026: Deadline to accept or decline first-round match.

- March 15, 2026: Deadline to apply for the second round of provider matching.

- March 24, 2026: Families will be notified of their second-round match.

- March 31, 2026: Deadline to accept or decline second-round match.

- April 1, 2026: Direct enrollment begins for families who did not receive a match.

The enrollment application for the 2026-27 program year will remain open throughout these multiple rounds.

While enrollment for the upcoming program year is underway, Universal Preschool continues to serve tens of thousands of children during the current 2025-26 program year. This highlights the sustained demand for preschool across Colorado and the crucial role that Universal Preschool plays in expanding access to early learning opportunities for families in urban, rural, and mountain communities.

For more information on Universal Preschool and how to apply, visit UPK.Colorado.gov. The deadline is quickly approaching, so families are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to secure a spot in this valuable program.

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