Colorado Preschool Program

CPP Key Message: Intentional, consistent, high quality early learning experiences for every child.

About the Colorado Preschool Program

The Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) is a state-funded early childhood education program administered by the Colorado Department of Education. For the 22-23 school year, the General Assembly allocated funding for up to 29,360 children considered to be at-risk for later school failure to attend half- or full-day preschool. CPP is managed by local school districts and their preschool advisory councils. Each participating school district is given a predetermined number of half-day positions to serve eligible children. These positions are used to serve preschoolers in either half- or full-day programs in school district settings, local childcare centers, community preschools or Head Start programs.

News

The Colorado Preschool Program is sunsetting at the end of the 2022-23 school year, and a new Universal Preschool program is being implemented by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) starting with the 23-24 school year.

Applications for the new Universal Preschool (UPK) program administered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) are now open. Please visit the UPK application page on the CDEC website for more information.

2023 Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) Legislative Report

The 2023 CPP Legislative Report was submitted to the Colorado General Assembly on January 13th, 2023. The report outlines the successes of the program in it's 34th and final year of implementation.

Universal Preschool Beginning July 1, 2023

The passage of HB22-1295 established the Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and the Universal Preschool Program. This new statewide preschool program will launch July 1, 2023 at which time the Colorado Preschool Program will sunset. The Colorado Department of Education will continue to administer preschool special education in accordance with IDEA and ECEA for children ages three through five. Questions about implementing CPP during the 2022-23 school year, or ongoing implementation of IDEA requirements for preschoolers, should be directed to the CDE Preschool Special Education staff or Preschool Regional Specialists. For information about CDEC preschool implementation effective on or after July 1, 2023, contact the CDEC.

HB 19-1194 FAQ

In May of 2019, HB 19-1194 was signed into law. This law, C.R.S. 22-33-106.1, limits the suspensions and expulsions of children in grades preschool through second grade and requires districts to report on any children in these grades who are removed from class, suspended or expelled, and the incident that led to the disciplinary action. In response to this law and data collection requirements, this FAQ was developed to provide guidance on meeting these requirements for preschool programs that serve children with state funds. Read more about the FAQ here.

Additional Information

CPP and ECARE at a Glance
CPP Legislative Reports
CPP Funding for 2021-22 (XLS) (Updated 2022)

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