May LCO Update from Denver Preschool Program

End of 25/26 Program Year, Quality Standards Office Hours with CDEC

Monthly Information Sessions Hosted by DPP

As the Local Coordinating Organization (LCO), Denver Preschool Program (DPP) holds monthly information sessions for Colorado Universal Preschool providers at noon on the second Thursday of each month.

This month's session will include information on end of program year and quality standards.

Next meeting: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Noon

Deadlines:

May 15, 2026: Last day to enroll in UPK

June 5, 2026: Reconciliation Requests Due- If you identify discrepancies in your funding or enrollment data, all formal reconciliation requests must be submitted by this date to be processed for the current cycle.

June 30, 2026: Q3 Expenditure Reporting Due- Please ensure your third-quarter expenditure reports are submitted through the standard portal.

(UPK Expenditure Reports-How to Scribe)

UPK Certificates:

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has indicated that Universal Pre-K (UPK) certificates will be distributed soon. Keep a close eye on your inbox for official documentation regarding your students’ eligibility and enrollment status for the upcoming cycle.

Final Payment Schedule:

If you received pre-payment: May 15, 2026

If you did not receive a pre-payment: May 29, 2026

For questions please review the 4YO UPK Funding and Payment Memo or submit a Payment Inquiry Here.

26/27 Program Year

Q: August prepayments - is that being offered again next year?

A: Yes, a “pre-payment” which is considered an advance on the May payment, will be available to providers in the 2026-27 program year. Details to come soon.

Q: Any idea when we will know the funding amounts for next year?

A: These rates are currently being finalized in alignment with the budget that the Governor approves.For budgeting purposes, please advise providers to expect a rate of approximately 1% so they can plan their budgets accordingly.

Q: Additional Supplemental Hours for 2026-27

A: These are being updated weekly, and provider reports are accurate.

Quality Standards Office Hours will be hosted every Tuesday, April 28th through May 26th. These office hours are open to all provider types each week, but will include provider-specific presentations to address targeted questions. Each office hour will be recorded and the links added to this document. Questions regarding the UPK Quality Standards and Child Learning Goals can be directed to preschoolservicestandards@state.co.us

May Office Hours Schedule:

Tuesday, May 5th from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: School District presentation

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gsg-peuu-muj

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 858-324-6392‬ PIN: ‪860 574 236‬#

Tuesday, May 12th from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm: Family Childcare presentation

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hnp-mies-pky

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 314-730-0869‬ PIN: ‪694 079 322‬#

Tuesday, May 19th from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Community-based presentation

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gsg-peuu-muj

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 858-324-6392‬ PIN: ‪860 574 236‬#

Tuesday, May 26th from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm: General standards questions.

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hnp-mies-pky

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 314-730-0869‬ PIN: ‪694 079 322‬#

Colorado is transitioning its quality rating system to a refreshed model through January 2028, featuring an interim period starting May 17, 2026, that maintains current ratings while streamlining administrative requirements. To help shape this new system, interest holders are encouraged to share their perspectives by participating in upcoming focus groups and survey before the May deadlines. Please read more details by visiting the QRIS Refresh Document, reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions and the Impact on Rating Observations document.

CDEC published the updated handbook in an accessible format that is much easier to search for terms/topics and easier to access.

As the Denver Local Coordinating Organization (LCO), this portal serves as a place to provide information, resources and important deadlines for UPK Providers.

DPP's 2025-26 application is now available! Denver families can apply for both UPK Colorado and DPP tuition credits with participating providers! DPP credits are available to all Denver families with a 4-year-old in a participating preschool, regardless of income.