Time's ticking for families in Colorado looking to enroll their kids in Universal Preschool for the 2026–27 program year. The initial application deadline is creeping up on February 2, and the state is urging parents and guardians to get their paperwork in pronto if they're hoping to land their preferred preschool spot. Governor Jared Polis is backing this push, suggesting in a statement obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office that "Universal Preschool is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in Colorado’s future."
It seems the message is getting through, with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood reporting a strong wave of interest. Until January 26, they've seen 23,431 applications roll in for the coming school year, which is a testament to the growing trust and recognition of the program's benefits. The state is playing a significant hand in helping families with young children, offering up to 30 hours of free, quality preschool every week in what's described by the Colorado Governor's Office as a "mixed-delivery system." That includes a variety of venues from state-licensed schools to community-based providers.
Those who meet the February 2 deadline aren't just ticking a box; they're opening doors to a breadth of choices among more than 2,000 provider networks, simplifying the task families face when planning their children's early education. The program's popularity isn't just a flash in the pan; during the 2025–26 program year, 44,387 four-year-olds benefitted from the initiative statewide, proving the demand for early learning is alive and kicking in communities far and wide.
