Centers scramble to sign up for Universal Preschool in time for enrollment

Colorado childcare providers were given around 30 days to complete their profiles and get fiscal agreements signed with the state ahead of the Jan. 17 open enrollment for its Universal Preschool Program.

“It’s been a really short window for providers — there have been a lot of challenges with the portal — things that don’t work,” said Matt Eldred, executive director of the TLC Learning Center in Longmont. “So it’s certainly been a challenge, but I think any money into the system that saves families on their childcare and preschool is a good thing.”

More than 50 childcare providers and preschools have signed up for the statewide program in Boulder County, and 11 providers have signed up in Longmont, according to Hope Shuler, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

The program is expected to save Colorado parents, on average, $6,000 a year, according to a state news release.

Eldred said there have been some misconceptions about the program, and there are important things families need to know ahead of the enrollment date.

“It is not free preschool; it is not full-day preschool … but it certainly helps families with a chunk of money — up to $6,000 — towards preschool,” he explained. “The purpose is for children who will turn 4 years old by Oct. 1 to access 10 to 15 hours of quality preschool programs.”

Children who have special needs and other risk factors will be given priority to access a higher number of hours. 

Eldred said it’s important for families to understand that they don’t have to leave their current childcare provider to register for Universal Preschool.

“I would encourage families — if you are satisfied and happy with your child’s current provider — that should be your number one choice,” he explained. “But then (families) will also be able to access these funds.”

As of Monday, more than 850 childcare providers across the state had signed up for the program, which has opened more than 29,000 seats for children, according to the news release.

But until families are registered, there are many questions about the program that can’t be answered, Eldred said.

“I think that’s the real challenge of this — is the true cost, and the true number of children that will be able to participate in this — it’s still to be known,” he explained. “The true cost of partnering with providers, the cost of the system administered from the state level — all of those things I don’t think will truly be identified until there’s some data to be able to look back on.

“The actual dollar amount per child to roll this out, I think, will have to be re-evaluated within the first year of implementing this program, and there will certainly be changes to the way that it’s being rolled out now.”

When enrollment opens on Jan. 17, families can begin the process here.