Local Coordinating Organizations and Colorado Department of Early Childhood Universal Preschool Staff

Handbook Contents

All Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) staff responsible for administering Colorado Universal Preschool, including those who work directly with families enrolling in Universal Preschool, and those who support Universal Preschool Providers are required to complete training. Other LCO staff are optional participants. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) staff who work in Universal Preschool are required participants. Other CDEC staff are optional participants.

Timelines for Training

CDE will maintain documentation of participant name, LCO or CDEC association, date(s) of each training requirement. A certificate of completion will be issued when all requirements are satisfied. Individuals who are hired into a required participant role are expected to complete all training within 90 days of starting in their position. CDEC will provide notice to new hires of required training expectations and timeline for completion. CDE and CDEC will work cooperatively to ensure all required participants have completed the expected training within the specified timelines.

Training Requirements

Prerequisites

Professional Development Information System (PDIS) Course: Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs. Participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by the PDIS for this course. The certificate will be submitted prior to registering for CDE LCO training modules. No additional credit hours will be added for completion of this course.
Review of all CDE FAQs related to preschool special education and universal preschool and the CDE Standards for Placement of Preschoolers with IEPs in Educational Programs document related to UPK. Participants will demonstrate knowledge through an assessment survey, required prior to registering for CDE LCO training modules. One hour of credit will be given for this prerequisite based upon 80 correct responses to the assessment survey.

Completion of Modules offered by CDE

Part 1 Module: 90 minute virtual or in person session delivered by CDE ESSU staff.

Learning Objectives

Understand roles and responsibilities of CDE, CDEC and LCOs related to Colorado Universal Preschool and special education, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood for Preschool Special Education Services (PDF)
Identify highlights of federal and state laws which govern special education for children ages 3 to 21 years old
Understand the special education administrative structure in Colorado, including how to make referrals to Child Find
Have a working knowledge of the Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) contacts each LCO must coordinate with
Understand legal entitlements for IDEA-eligible children, including the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process in addressing each child's unique needs while providing access to appropriate activities in the regular classroom

Part 2 Module: 75 minute virtual or in person session delivered by CDE ESSU staff.

Learning Objectives

Review key points about IDEA and Colorado’s special education system:
- The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process
- Determining each child’s educational placement
- Child Find referral and evaluation process
Understand how legal entitlements for IDEA-eligible children must influence actions and messaging about Colorado Universal Preschool
Review scenarios and respond accurately to situations related to special education and the context of Universal Preschool
Understand how to use existing structures and resources to align messages and resolve problem issues, as needed

Individualized Office Hour: 30 minute session will be scheduled with each LCO that has completed the two part training. CDE staff will follow an agenda to review any unique circumstances of the LCO, ensure connection to appropriate AU contacts, use of aligned messaging, and discuss any follow up questions and related resources. The office hour will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Part 2 training module, to be completed within two weeks.

Post Training Evaluation

Participants will be asked to complete an overall training evaluation, which will include some knowledge check opportunities. CDE will review training evaluation data quarterly and make any necessary revisions to the training plan and requirements. CDE will invite AU stakeholders to provide input on LCO training content on at least an annual basis, to ensure the training addresses timely issues and concerns related to special education and Universal Preschool implementation.

Frequency

Each Two-Part Module will be offered at least once every 90 days in either live or virtual formats, or more frequently if a need arises. The modules will be offered within 30 days of one another.

Competencies Addressed

The training requirements address the following Colorado Shines Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals:

Family and Community Partnering (FCP) 6.3, 11.1, 11.2.

Technical Assistance

Additional technical assistance will be offered to LCOs, as needed. To access technical assistance, an LCO will be assigned a designated contact at CDE. CDE staff responsible for providing technical assistance to LCOs shall track each contact, including the date, substance of the content, and any delivered follow up. When appropriate, CDE staff responsible for supporting LCOs will provide updates to Administrative Units within the LCO boundaries and will be available to support resolution of issues or concerns between LCOs and their respective AUs, with the expressed purpose of ensuring alignment between special education services and Universal Preschool programming.

LCO Training Resources

Crosswalk of LCOs with AUs, School Districts and Counties (Excel)

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