UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

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Code of Colorado Regulations › 1400 Department of Early Childhood › 1404 Colorado Universal Preschool Program › 8 CCR 1404-1

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DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Colorado Universal Preschool Program

UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1404-1

[Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.]

_________________________________________________________________________

4.100

AUTHORITY

These rules and regulations are adopted pursuant to the rulemaking authority provided in sections 26.5-1-

105(1) and 26.5-4-204(4), C.R.S., and are intended to be consistent with the requirements of the State

Administrative Procedures Act, sections 24-4-101 through 24-4-204 (the “APA”), C.R.S., the Anna Jo

Garcia Haynes Early Childhood Act, sections 26.5-1-101 through 26.5-6-101 (the “Early Childhood Act”),

C.R.S., and the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Act, sections 26.5-4-201 through 26.5-4-211,

C.R.S.

4.101

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

These rules and regulations shall govern the processes, procedures, and requirements of providers and

families participating in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program.

4.102

APPLICABILITY

The provisions of these rules and regulations shall be applicable to all preschool providers participating in

the Colorado Universal Preschool Program including: family child care homes, as defined in section 26.5-

5-303, C.R.S.; child care centers, as defined in section 26.5-5-303, C.R.S.; school districts licensed to

operate as a public preschool provider; charter schools licensed to operate as a public preschool

provider; or head start programs licensed and regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

4.103

DEFINITIONS

“Additional preschool services” means hours of preschool services provided to a child in the year

preceding enrollment in kindergarten that are in addition to the universal preschool services the

child receives.

der; charter schools licensed to operate as a public preschool

provider; or head start programs licensed and regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

4.103

DEFINITIONS

“Additional preschool services” means hours of preschool services provided to a child in the year

preceding enrollment in kindergarten that are in addition to the universal preschool services the

child receives.

“Administrative unit” means a school district, a board of cooperative services, a multi-district

administrative unit, a charter school network, a charter school collaborative, or the state charter

school institute, that is providing educational services to exceptional children and that is

responsible for the local administration of the education of exceptional children pursuant to article

20 of title 22.

“Applicant 2” means an individual that resides in a family child care home and provides care

regularly, in a recurring pattern and must have the same required training as the Primary Provider

as specified in the “Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule

section 2.304(A)(5).

Code of Colorado Regulations

Secretary of State

State of Colorado

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1404-1

Colorado Universal Preschool Program

“Child Find” means the program component of IDEA that requires states to find, identify, locate,

evaluate, and serve all children with disabilities, from birth to twenty-one (21) years of age. Child

Find includes: (a) Part C child find, which is the program component of IDEA that requires states

to find, identify, locate, evaluate, and serve children with disabilities from birth through two (2)

years of age; and (b) Part B child find, which is the program component of IDEA that requires

states to find, identify, locate, evaluate, and serve children with disabilities from three (3) to

twenty-one (21) years of age.

“Children with disabilities” has the same meaning as provided in section 22-20-103, C.R.S.

locate, evaluate, and serve children with disabilities from birth through two (2)

years of age; and (b) Part B child find, which is the program component of IDEA that requires

states to find, identify, locate, evaluate, and serve children with disabilities from three (3) to

twenty-one (21) years of age.

“Children with disabilities” has the same meaning as provided in section 22-20-103, C.R.S.

“Classroom” means the educational or instructional location used to support a preschool program

by any Preschool Program provider, including schools, child care centers, family child care

homes, or other approved Colorado Universal Preschool Program locations.

“Colorado Academic Standards” means the comprehensive set of academic standards across all

content areas adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to section 22-7-1005, C.R.S.

These Standards are located at https://www.cde.state.co.us/apps/standards/ (2019-2024). No

later editions or amendments are incorporated. These standards are available at no cost from the

Colorado Department of Education at https://www.cde.state.co.us/apps/standards/. These

standards are also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of

Early Childhood, Universal Preschool Program, 710 S. Ash St., Denver, CO 80246, during normal

business hours.

“Colorado Child Care Assistance Program” or “CCCAP” means the public assistance program for

child care known as the Colorado child care assistance program established in part 1 of article 4

of title 26.5.

“Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines” means the set of guidelines across all

early childhood domains endorsed by the early childhood leadership commission (ECLC) that

includes approaches to learning, health and physical development, social and emotional

development, language, literacy, numeracy, logic and reasoning, and other subject-specific

learning. The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines (2020) are herein

incorporated by reference

f guidelines across all

early childhood domains endorsed by the early childhood leadership commission (ECLC) that

includes approaches to learning, health and physical development, social and emotional

development, language, literacy, numeracy, logic and reasoning, and other subject-specific

learning. The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines (2020) are herein

incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated. These Guidelines

are available at no cost from the State of Colorado at https://earlylearningco.org/. These

Guidelines are also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of

Early Childhood’s website, https://cdec.colorado.gov/for-families/learning-and-development-

guidelines, or at the Department’s Office at 710 S. Ash St., Denver, CO 80246, during normal

business hours.

“Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)” means the system developed

by the Department pursuant to section 26.5-5-101, C.R.S., which measures the level of

preparedness of, and quality of services provided by, an early childhood education program to

prepare children to enter elementary school.

“Colorado Universal Preschool Program” or “Preschool Program” means the program established

within the Department pursuant to section 26.5-4-204, C.R.S., and includes all eligible preschool

providers.

“Colorado’s Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals” means the set of

content areas, or domains, that describe the knowledge and skills early childhood educators need

to work effectively with children, and are updated, maintained, and published by the Department.

“Cooperative Preschool Provider” means an eligible preschool provider which requires

participating families to be meaningfully involved in the operation of the cooperative, and which is

at least substantially operated, maintained, or administered by participating families.

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

aintained, and published by the Department.

“Cooperative Preschool Provider” means an eligible preschool provider which requires

participating families to be meaningfully involved in the operation of the cooperative, and which is

at least substantially operated, maintained, or administered by participating families.

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

“Department” means Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

“ECEA” means the “Exceptional Children’s Educational Act”, Article 20 of Title 22, and its

implementing rules.

“Early childhood mental health program” means a program which supports the mental wellness of

children, or promotes the knowledge, ability, and capacity of individuals who support the mental

wellness of children to address and enhance the social, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral

developmental needs of children, including children aged birth to six (6).

“Early learning and assessment approach” means the eligible preschool provider’s chosen

methods for selecting, planning, and implementing activities; observing; documenting; and

monitoring designed to support children’s learning and development, in alignment with the

Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines, and includes curricula and other

pedagogical methods.

“Eligible child” means a child who is eligible to receive preschool services as provided in section

26.5-4-204(3), C.R.S.

“Eligible preschool provider” means a preschool provider that is actively participating in the

Colorado Universal Preschool Program and is in good standing with the Department. As used in

this context, “good standing” means that the preschool provider has either a permanent,

provisional, or probationary license issued by the Department, as those terms are defined and

used in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule sections 2.107, 2.108, and 2.109.

ans a preschool provider that is actively participating in the

Colorado Universal Preschool Program and is in good standing with the Department. As used in

this context, “good standing” means that the preschool provider has either a permanent,

provisional, or probationary license issued by the Department, as those terms are defined and

used in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule sections 2.107, 2.108, and 2.109.

“Equally qualified provider” means an employee of a family child care home that has the same

required trainings and qualifications as the primary provider as specified in the “Rules Regulating

Family Child Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule section 2.304(A)(29).

“Federal Poverty Level” (FPL) or “Federal Poverty Guidelines” (FPG) refers to figures set by the

federal government annually. (changes noted in underline and strikethrough) These figures are

based on gross monthly income levels for the corresponding households size, and are included in

the tables in rule section 4.105(A).

“Foster care home” has the same meaning as provided in section 26-6-903(10), C.R.S.

“Full-day” means thirty to forty (30 to 40) hours of preschool service per week.

“Half-day” means fifteen to twenty (15 to 20) hours of preschool service per week.

“Head Start program” means a program operated by a local public or private nonprofit agency

designated by the federal department of health and human services to operate a head start

program pursuant to the provisions of Title V of the federal “Economic Opportunity Act of 1964,”

as amended.

“IDEA” means the federal “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act”, 20 U.S.C. sections 1400

through 1491, as amended, and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 300 and 303

rofit agency

designated by the federal department of health and human services to operate a head start

program pursuant to the provisions of Title V of the federal “Economic Opportunity Act of 1964,”

as amended.

“IDEA” means the federal “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act”, 20 U.S.C. sections 1400

through 1491, as amended, and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 300 and 303

(2025), herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated.

These regulations are available at no cost from the United States Department of Education at

www.ecfr.gov. These regulations are available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado

Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash St., Denver, CO 80246, during normal business

hours.

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AA.

“Individualized Education Program” or “IEP” means a written statement for a child with a disability

that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with part 1 of article 20 of title 22, C.R.S.,

and the rules promulgated by the Colorado State Board of Education.

BB.

“Instructional supervisor” means the employee who is responsible for the direct supervision of an

employee who is required to meet the ongoing professional development requirement of rule

sections 4.114(B) and (C), and who as part of that direct supervision is responsible for overseeing

the delivery of instruction or related services. For an eligible preschool provider who is a family

child care home, the instructional supervisor shall mean the primary provider

for the direct supervision of an

employee who is required to meet the ongoing professional development requirement of rule

sections 4.114(B) and (C), and who as part of that direct supervision is responsible for overseeing

the delivery of instruction or related services. For an eligible preschool provider who is a family

child care home, the instructional supervisor shall mean the primary provider. For an eligible

preschool provider who is a child care center (including a large child care center, small child care

center, preschool, mobile part-day preschool program, or any combination thereof), the

instructional supervisor shall mean the director of the child care center who is qualified and

designated as the director as specified in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule sections 2.214, 2.215, 2.217 and

2.243, and also includes any other supervisory staff who meet this definition.

CC.

“Lead teacher” means the employee of an eligible preschool provider that is primarily assigned to

a Preschool Program classroom and responsible for delivering instruction or leading activities. A

“lead teacher” means:

The primary provider of a family child care home; or

The early childhood teacher (as specified in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.216(A)) of a

large child care center, small child care center, preschool, or mobile part-day preschool

program as those terms are defined in rule section 2.204(B), who is responsible for

delivering instruction or leading activities in their primarily assigned Preschool Program

classroom.

DD.

“Low-income” means that the child’s parent or guardian’s gross income must not exceed 270% of

the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG).

EE.

“Multilingual” means a child who is learning two (2) or more languages at the same time, or a

child who is learning a second (2nd) language while continuing to develop their first (1st)

language.

FF.

“Noncertified kinship care” has the same meaning as provided in section 19-1-103(102), C.R.S.

GG.

“Parent” has the same meaning as provided in section 22-20-103, C.R.S.

Poverty Guideline (FPG).

EE.

“Multilingual” means a child who is learning two (2) or more languages at the same time, or a

child who is learning a second (2nd) language while continuing to develop their first (1st)

language.

FF.

“Noncertified kinship care” has the same meaning as provided in section 19-1-103(102), C.R.S.

GG.

“Parent” has the same meaning as provided in section 22-20-103, C.R.S.

HH.

“Part-time” means ten (10) hours of preschool service per week.

II.

“Primary provider” means the person that resides in a family child care home and provides direct

care, supervision, and education to child(ren) in care for at least sixty percent (60%) of the daily

hours of operation of the family child care home.

JJ.

“Preschool provider” means any of the following entities that are licensed pursuant to part 3 of

article 5 of this title 26.5:

A family child care home, as defined in section 26.5-5-303, C.R.S.;

A child care center, as defined in section 26.5-5-303, C.R.S.;

A school district licensed to operate as a public preschool provider;

A charter school licensed to operate as a public preschool provider; or

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

A Head Start program.

KK.

“Preschool services” means instructional and educational services provided to an eligible child by

an eligible preschool provider pursuant to the Colorado Universal Preschool Program.

LL.

“Qualifying factor” means a child or family circumstance, as identified by department rule

pursuant to section 26.5-4-204(4)(a)(II), C.R.S., that may negatively impact a child’s cognitive,

academic, social, physical, or behavioral health or development.

MM.

“Qualified substitute” means a substitute provider of a family child care home that has all required

trainings and qualifications as determined in the Department’s “Rules Regulating Family Child

Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.304(A)(71).

204(4)(a)(II), C.R.S., that may negatively impact a child’s cognitive,

academic, social, physical, or behavioral health or development.

MM.

“Qualified substitute” means a substitute provider of a family child care home that has all required

trainings and qualifications as determined in the Department’s “Rules Regulating Family Child

Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.304(A)(71).

NN.

“Resource Bank” means the collection of preschool curricula and other approved educational

approaches, toolkits, self-assessments, templates, training, and other resources for use by

eligible preschool providers that is created, administered, and updated by the Department

pursuant to section 26.5-4-205(3), C.R.S.

OO.

“School District” means a school district organized pursuant to article 30 of title 22, C.R.S., that

provides preschool services and is licensed pursuant to part 3 of article 5 of title 26.5, C.R.S., as

a preschool provider; or a board of cooperative services organized pursuant to article 5 of title 22,

C.R.S., that provides preschool services and is licensed pursuant to part 3 of article 5 of title 26.5,

C.R.S., as a preschool provider.

PP.

“School year” means the full school year as defined by the local school board of education.

QQ.

“Short term basis” means work performed in place of a regular staff member or volunteer who is

unable to work their normally scheduled work hours due to a planned or unplanned event that

requires the regular staff member or volunteer to be on leave for no more than two (2) calendar

weeks and exclusively includes work performed by an assistant early childhood teacher providing

substitute services under 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.216(F)(2), or a public school substitute

providing services under 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.243(C).

RR.

“Sibling” means one (1) or more individuals having one (1) or both parents in common.

SS.

“Staff aide” means an individual who assists the primary provider in a family child care home in

the care of children at the family child care home

substitute services under 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.216(F)(2), or a public school substitute

providing services under 8 CCR 1402-1 rule section 2.243(C).

RR.

“Sibling” means one (1) or more individuals having one (1) or both parents in common.

SS.

“Staff aide” means an individual who assists the primary provider in a family child care home in

the care of children at the family child care home. A staff aide must never be allowed to supervise

a child(ren) alone. The primary provider, applicant 2, equally qualified provider, or qualified

substitute provider must be present at all times when the staff aide is providing care for a

child(ren).

TT.

“Substitute” means a paid, volunteer, or contract individual of a family child care home

responsible for caring for the children in the capacity of the employee, staff aide, or staff member.

The primary provider, applicant 2, equally qualified provider, or qualified substitute must always

be present at all times when a substitute is providing care for children.

UU.

“Universal preschool services” means ten (10) hours of preschool services per week made

available, at no charge, to children in the state during the school year preceding the school year

in which a child is eligible to enroll in kindergarten.

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

4.104

COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

The Colorado Universal Preschool Program was established to provide high-quality, voluntary, preschool

programming through a mixed delivery system for children throughout the state in the year preceding

eligibility for kindergarten enrollment, and to provide for additional preschool services for children who are

experiencing poverty, or in low-income families and meet the criteria of an identified qualifying factor. The

Department intends to work with preschool program services providers to meet families’ needs, including

for a half- or full-day program.

roughout the state in the year preceding

eligibility for kindergarten enrollment, and to provide for additional preschool services for children who are

experiencing poverty, or in low-income families and meet the criteria of an identified qualifying factor. The

Department intends to work with preschool program services providers to meet families’ needs, including

for a half- or full-day program.

For the 2023-24 school year and school years thereafter, families may enroll their children in

preschool providers that receive funding through the preschool program. The purposes of the

preschool program are:

To provide children in Colorado access to voluntary, high-quality, universal preschool

services free of charge in the school year before a child enrolls in kindergarten;

To provide access to additional preschool services in the school year before kindergarten

eligibility for children in low-income families and children who lack overall learning

readiness due to qualifying factors;

To provide access to preschool services for children who are three (3) years of age, or in

limited circumstances younger than three (3) years of age, and are children with

disabilities, are in low-income families, or lack overall learning readiness due to qualifying

factors; and

To establish quality standards for publicly funded preschool providers that promote

children’s early learning and development, school readiness, and healthy beginnings.

4.105

GENERAL CRITERIA FOR PRESCHOOL SERVICES

This rule is promulgated pursuant to section 26.5-4-204(4)(a)(I) and (II), C.R.S.

Poverty and Low-Income Eligibility Determinations

Effective for the 2025-2026 school year, a child shall be considered as belonging to a

family living in poverty if the gross monthly income of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)

does not exceed 100 percent of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

SERVICES

This rule is promulgated pursuant to section 26.5-4-204(4)(a)(I) and (II), C.R.S.

Poverty and Low-Income Eligibility Determinations

Effective for the 2025-2026 school year, a child shall be considered as belonging to a

family living in poverty if the gross monthly income of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)

does not exceed 100 percent of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). A child is

considered belonging to a low-income family if the gross monthly income of the child’s

parent(s) or guardian(s) does not exceed 270 percent of the 2024 Federal Poverty

Guidelines (FPG).

FAMILY SIZE

100% 2024 FEDERAL

POVERTY GUIDELINE

(FPG) MONTHLY INCOME

270% 2024 FEDERAL

POVERTY GUIDELINE

(FPG) MONTHLY INCOME

$1,255.00

$3,388.50

$1,703.33

$4,599.00

$2,151.67

$5,809.50

$2,600.00

$7,020.00

$3,048.33

$8,230.50

$3,496.67

$9,441.00

$3,945.00

$10,651.50

$4,393.33

$11,862.00

EACH ADDITIONAL

PERSON

$448.33

$1,210.50

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

Effective for the 2026-2027 school year, a child shall be considered as belonging to a

family living in poverty if the gross monthly income of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)

does not exceed 100 percent of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). A child is

considered belonging to a low-income family if the gross monthly income of the child’s

parent(s) or guardian(s) does not exceed 265 percent of the 2025 Federal Poverty

Guidelines (FPG).

hall be considered as belonging to a

family living in poverty if the gross monthly income of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)

does not exceed 100 percent of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). A child is

considered belonging to a low-income family if the gross monthly income of the child’s

parent(s) or guardian(s) does not exceed 265 percent of the 2025 Federal Poverty

Guidelines (FPG).

FAMILY SIZE

100% 2025 FEDERAL

POVERTY GUIDELINE

(FPG) MONTHLY INCOME

265% 2025 FEDERAL

POVERTY GUIDELINE

(FPG) MONTHLY INCOME

$1,304.17

$3,456.04

$1,762.50

$4,670.63

$2,220.83

$5,885.21

$2,679.17

$7,099.79

$3,137.50

$8,314.38

$3,595.83

$9,528.96

$4,054.17

$10,743.54

$4,512.50

$11,958.13

EACH ADDITIONAL

PERSON

$458.33

$1,214.58

Qualifying Factors

The following qualifying factors will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for preschool services

pursuant to this rule section:

Child is identified as in poverty if the child’s parent or guardian’s gross income does not

exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG).

Child is a dual-language learner and the native language spoken in the child’s home is a

language other than English, or the child’s native language is not English.

Child has an IEP.

Child is currently in the custody of a state supervised and county administered foster care

home or in non-certified kinship care.

Child is identified as homeless and/or unhoused, and lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate

nighttime residence and at least one (1) of the following:

Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing; economic hardship,

or a similar reason; living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to the lack of

alternative accommodations; or living in emergency or transitional shelters;

Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed

for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

ing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing; economic hardship,

or a similar reason; living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to the lack of

alternative accommodations; or living in emergency or transitional shelters;

Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed

for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing,

bus or train stations, or in similar settings; or

Is a child who is migratory who qualifies as homeless for the purposes of this rule

subsection because the child is living in circumstances described in this rule

subsections (a) through (c), above.

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4.106

ELIGIBILITY AND PRESCHOOL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN THREE (3) YEARS OF AGE OR

YOUNGER

This rule section is promulgated pursuant to sections 26.5-4-204(3)(a)(II)-(IV) and 26.5-4-208(3)(c)(I) and

(II), C.R.S. The Department or Local Coordinating Organization, as applicable, shall distribute funding to

school districts and charter schools for preschool services for enrolled children who are three (3) years of

age or younger. A school district may utilize the allotted three (3) year old funding, or may distribute all or

a portion to a contracted head start agency or community-based preschool provider that provides

preschool services.

Eligibility

Every child in the state who is three (3) years of age, and is a child with disabilities, is

eligible for preschool services in accordance with their Individualized Education Program

(IEP).

utilize the allotted three (3) year old funding, or may distribute all or

a portion to a contracted head start agency or community-based preschool provider that provides

preschool services.

Eligibility

Every child in the state who is three (3) years of age, and is a child with disabilities, is

eligible for preschool services in accordance with their Individualized Education Program

(IEP).

Children who are three (3) years of age and are not eligible to enroll in kindergarten in the

next school year, or who are under three (3) years of age and reside in a community in

which a school district operates a district preschool program with a waiver to serve

children under three (3) years of age, may be eligible for preschool services if they are

low-income or have at least one (1) qualifying factor.

Preschool Services

Subject to available appropriations to provide preschool services for children three (3)

years of age, a child three (3) years of age who is not eligible to enroll in kindergarten in

the next school year, and is in a low-income family per rule section 4.105(A), or meets at

least one (1) qualifying factor identified in rule section 4.105(B), may receive a minimum

of ten (10) hours per week of preschool program services.

Subject to available appropriations with a waiver to serve children under three (3) years

of age, a child who is under three (3) years of age and is in a low-income family per rule

section 4.105(A), or meets at least one (1) qualifying factor identified in rule section

4.105(B), may receive a minimum of ten (10) hours per week of preschool program

services.

4.107

ELIGIBILITY AND PRESCHOOL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN FOUR (4) YEARS OF AGE, IN

THE YEAR PRECEDING KINDERGARTEN

This rule section is promulgated pursuant to sections 26.5-4-204(3)(a)(I), (II), and (V) and 26.5-4-

208(3)(a), C.R.S.

Eligibility

at least one (1) qualifying factor identified in rule section

4.105(B), may receive a minimum of ten (10) hours per week of preschool program

services.

4.107

ELIGIBILITY AND PRESCHOOL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN FOUR (4) YEARS OF AGE, IN

THE YEAR PRECEDING KINDERGARTEN

This rule section is promulgated pursuant to sections 26.5-4-204(3)(a)(I), (II), and (V) and 26.5-4-

208(3)(a), C.R.S.

Eligibility

Every child in the state who is four (4) years of age, and is a child with disabilities, is

eligible for preschool services in accordance with their Individualized Education Program

(IEP).

Children in the state who are in the school year preceding the school year in which the

child is eligible to enroll in kindergarten, are eligible for ten (10) hours of universal

preschool services per week.

Children who are in the school year preceding the school year in which the child is

eligible to enroll in kindergarten, may be eligible for additional preschool services if they

are low-income or have at least one (1) qualifying factor.

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Additional Preschool Services

Subject to available appropriations, and after the Department allocates the amounts

necessary to fund preschool services for eligible children who are three (3) years of age

or younger, for children with disabilities, and to fully fund universal preschool services for

children who enroll, the Department may distribute specified purpose funding equivalent

to five (5) hours of preschool programming per week to children who enroll in the year

preceding eligibility for enrollment in kindergarten to achieve the specified purpose of

increasing whole child developmental outcomes and meeting family needs, by expanding

universal access to preschool programs to a minimum of half-day preschool service.

nt may distribute specified purpose funding equivalent

to five (5) hours of preschool programming per week to children who enroll in the year

preceding eligibility for enrollment in kindergarten to achieve the specified purpose of

increasing whole child developmental outcomes and meeting family needs, by expanding

universal access to preschool programs to a minimum of half-day preschool service.

Subject to available appropriations and after making the efforts in rule section 4.108(F),

below, a child who is in a low-income family per rule section 4.105(A), or who meets at

least one (1) qualifying factor in rule section 4.105(B), may receive fifteen (15) additional

hours per week of additional preschool services in the school year preceding the school

year in which the child is eligible to enroll in kindergarten to achieve full-day preschool

service.

4.108

PRESCHOOL PROVIDER FUNDING FOR CHILDREN THREE (3) AND FOUR (4) YEARS OF

AGE

Preschool program funding distributed to preschool providers shall be used only to pay the costs

of providing preschool services directly to eligible children enrolled by the preschool provider or

by a subcontracted preschool provider, as authorized for a school district pursuant to section

26.5-4-208(3)(c)(II), C.R.S. Where applicable, preschool program funding can be used to cover

special education and related services costs that are in excess of the Exceptional Children’s

Educational Act (ECEA) and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) funds if the costs are

allowable per subsections (A)(1) through (4) of this rule. The costs of providing preschool

services include:

Teacher and paraprofessional salaries and benefits;

The cost of providing to teachers and paraprofessionals any professional development

activities associated with the preschool services;

The costs incurred in purchasing supplies and materials used in providing the preschool

services;

ble per subsections (A)(1) through (4) of this rule. The costs of providing preschool

services include:

Teacher and paraprofessional salaries and benefits;

The cost of providing to teachers and paraprofessionals any professional development

activities associated with the preschool services;

The costs incurred in purchasing supplies and materials used in providing the preschool

services;

Any additional costs that a preschool provider would not have incurred but for the

services provided in conjunction with the preschool services; and

A reasonable allocation of overhead costs as provided in rule section 4.108(G).

Eligible preschool providers must agree to guarantee families, free of tuition, at least the minimum

number of hours defined in rule sections 4.106(B) and 4.107(A) and (B) for the per-child rate that

is provided.

Pursuant to section 26.5-4-208(3)(b), C.R.S., in a year in which there is insufficient funding to

provide additional preschool services to all eligible children, those eligible children who are in low-

income families and meet at least one (1) qualifying factor will be prioritized.

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Excess funds allocated to the preschool program through underspent funding for children three

(3) years of age, or younger in waiver districts, and/or funds remaining after meeting the uses

described in section 26.5-4-209(3)(a), C.R.S., may be distributed by the Department through

hours of additional preschool services for children who enroll in the year preceding eligibility for

enrollment in kindergarten.

The Department, in accordance with section 26.5-4-111, C.R.S., will make every effort to allow

funds from both the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) and the preschool

program to be blended or “stacked” to the extent allowed by state and federal law and federal

regulations

al preschool services for children who enroll in the year preceding eligibility for

enrollment in kindergarten.

The Department, in accordance with section 26.5-4-111, C.R.S., will make every effort to allow

funds from both the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) and the preschool

program to be blended or “stacked” to the extent allowed by state and federal law and federal

regulations. When an eligible child is enrolled with an eligible preschool provider and is receiving

both CCCAP and preschool program services and funding (dually-enrolled child(ren)), the

enrolling provider must:

Ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that only one (1) funding source is utilized for a

dually-enrolled child at any time for a designated purpose or service (colloquially referred

to as ‘stacking’), except for any overlap in hours of services that derives directly from the

implementation of the federal requirement that services provided and paid for under

CCCAP are provided in part-time and full-time increments rather than hours;

Ensure that each funding source for a dually-enrolled child is tracked and reported

separately for different timeframes;

Ensure that, for dually-enrolled children, preschool program funds are used first, with

CCCAP funding covering time in care that exceeds the amount of the eligible child’s

preschool program hours; and

Follow any and all applicable Department policies or procedures related to dually-enrolled

children, including, but not limited to, which categories (i.e. part-time, half-day, or full-day)

of eligible children are allowed to be funded for both CCCAP and preschool program

services concurrently.

Eligible preschool providers must ensure that families are offered services that correspond to the

per-child rate received, free of tuition

ent policies or procedures related to dually-enrolled

children, including, but not limited to, which categories (i.e. part-time, half-day, or full-day)

of eligible children are allowed to be funded for both CCCAP and preschool program

services concurrently.

Eligible preschool providers must ensure that families are offered services that correspond to the

per-child rate received, free of tuition. The per-child rate funding formula for all types of preschool

services covered under the preschool program applies to the following categories of services that

a family may enroll their eligible child in, as specified in sections 26.5-4-204 and -208, C.R.S.,

and clarified in these rules:

Universal preschool services for children in the school year before they are eligible for

kindergarten, as described in rule section 4.104(A)(1).

Pursuant to section 26.5-4-204(3)(b), C.R.S., all children with disabilities described in rule

sections 4.106(A)(1) and 4.107(A)(1), who are three (3) or four (4) years of age, are

eligible to receive funding for preschool services in accordance with their Individualized

Education Program (IEP).

Preschool services for eligible children three (3) years of age or younger, in a waiver

district as described in rule section 4.106(A)(2).

Preschool services to achieve a specified purpose as described in rule section 4.107(B).

Additional preschool services for eligible children four (4) years of age based on low-

income status or meeting at least one (1) qualifying factor as described in rule section

4.107(A)(3).

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cribed in rule section 4.106(A)(2).

Preschool services to achieve a specified purpose as described in rule section 4.107(B).

Additional preschool services for eligible children four (4) years of age based on low-

income status or meeting at least one (1) qualifying factor as described in rule section

4.107(A)(3).

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Overhead or Indirect Costs. Overhead or indirect costs represent the expenses of doing

business that are not readily identified with the delivery of preschool services, but are necessary

for the general operation of eligible preschool providers. Preschool providers shall be allowed to

expend a reasonable allocation on overhead or indirect costs, not to exceed fifteen percent (15%)

of the total preschool program per-child rate funding received.

Per-Child Rate Funding Formula. The Colorado Universal Preschool Program per-child rate

formula is expressed as ((PKC*PS*PA) + (PKC*(1-PS))*CL)* LIC*GF*QE*IEF). The formula

includes a base rate cost of high quality preschool services (PKC) with specific parameters

adjusting for personnel costs (PS) and variances to costs by region (PA). Further adjustments are

applied for local costs of living (CL), considerations of a community’s poverty level (LIC),

geographical factors (GF), increased quality of services (QE), and an annual adjustment for

inflation and economic factors (IEF).

PKC (pre-k costs) means the base cost of providing high quality preschool services

based on unique characteristics of provider settings and the families/children they serve,

recognized best practices and evidence-based standards, pursuant to sections 26.5-4-

208(1)(a)(I) and 26.5-4-205(2), C.R.S.

PS (personnel share) means the share of costs accounted for by personnel costs,

including salaries and benefits.

PA (personnel adjustment) means the adjustment factor that accounts for regional

variations in personnel costs.

tings and the families/children they serve,

recognized best practices and evidence-based standards, pursuant to sections 26.5-4-

208(1)(a)(I) and 26.5-4-205(2), C.R.S.

PS (personnel share) means the share of costs accounted for by personnel costs,

including salaries and benefits.

PA (personnel adjustment) means the adjustment factor that accounts for regional

variations in personnel costs.

CL (cost of living) means a cost-of-living adjustment determined at the county level to

reflect evolving local economic realities and support recruitment and retention of a high-

quality workforce, as required by section 26.5-4-208(1)(a)(III), C.R.S.

LIC (low income by county) means the parameter determined at the county level to

account for the identification of children in low-income families, as defined by rule section

4.105(A) and pursuant to section 26.5-4-208(1)(a)(IV), C.R.S.

GF (geographic factor) means the factor that adjusts for regional differences and

circumstances unique to rural communities that result in variations in the cost of providing

preschool services, which may include difficulties in achieving economies of scale in rural

areas and in recruiting and retaining preschool educators, as required by section 26.5-4-

208(1)(a)(III), C.R.S.

QE (quality enhancement) means the component that accounts for the cost of providing

professional development activities and salary incentives to teachers and

paraprofessionals pursuant to sections 26.5-4-208(1)(a)(I) and 26.5-4-205(2), C.R.S.

IEF (inflation and economic factors) means the annual rate of inflation, estimated for

the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood core based statistical area, and other state economic

factors, including but not limited to personal income, population and employment factors,

and construction cost indicators, adjusted by the Department for any other financial

forecasts and circumstances directly impacting available resources for the preschool

program

) means the annual rate of inflation, estimated for

the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood core based statistical area, and other state economic

factors, including but not limited to personal income, population and employment factors,

and construction cost indicators, adjusted by the Department for any other financial

forecasts and circumstances directly impacting available resources for the preschool

program. The Department will evaluate and consider data from the Bureau of Economic

Analysis, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, United States Census Bureau, and

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop the IEF annually as part of the per-

child rate setting process.

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4.109

PROVIDER MATCHING CRITERIA

Eligible preschool providers may utilize the following programmatic preferences to the deferred

acceptance algorithm component of the matching process:

Cooperative preschool providers requiring participation in the cooperative;

School districts maintaining enrollment consistent with their established boundaries;

Participating preschool providers reserving placements for a student(s) with an

Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure conformity with obligations incurred

pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. section 1400 (2004),

or the Exceptional Children’s Education Act, Article 20 of Title 22, C.R.S.;

Head Start programs’ adhering to any applicable federal law requirements including

eligibility requirements;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child of one (1) of their

employees;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child to ensure

continuity-of-care for that child;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child to keep siblings

similarly located;

law requirements including

eligibility requirements;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child of one (1) of their

employees;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child to ensure

continuity-of-care for that child;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child to keep siblings

similarly located;

Participating preschool providers granting preference to an eligible child who is

multilingual, to ensure proper delivery of services to that child; and

Participating preschool providers may grant preference to an eligible child based: on the

child and/or family being a part of a specific community; having specific competencies or

interests; having a specific relationship to the provider, provider’s employees, students, or

their families; receiving specific public assistance benefits; or participating in a specific

activity. Participating preschool providers seeking to utilize this preference, must ensure:

That the specific community, competencies or interests, relationship, public

assistance benefit, or activity being required of children and/or families who

attend, is a requirement of all participating children and/or families.

That implementation of requiring the specific community, competencies or

interests, relationship, public assistance benefit, or activity does not conflict with

any other provision of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program statutes at

sections 26.5-4-201 through 26.5-4-211, C.R.S., nor with any other applicable

law or regulation.

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ntation of requiring the specific community, competencies or

interests, relationship, public assistance benefit, or activity does not conflict with

any other provision of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program statutes at

sections 26.5-4-201 through 26.5-4-211, C.R.S., nor with any other applicable

law or regulation.

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Examples of approved preferences include, but are not limited to: participating

preschool providers who require a focus in a certain knowledge area (such as

science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”)); providers who serve

families with a family member who works or attends school at a specific site(s) or

location(s); providers who serve families within a specific geographical catchment

area; providers who require a certain amount of volunteering or participation by

the participating family; providers who require certain vaccinations for the health

and safety of its staff and students; and providers who serve families who are

receiving a specific public assistance benefit(s) such as housing assistance.

In utilizing these programmatic preferences, eligible preschool providers must still comply with

rule section 4.110(B).

4.110

QUALITY STANDARDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROVISIONS

All eligible preschool providers must meet the following minimum requirements as a condition of

participating in the Preschool Program:

The minimum number of planned teacher-pupil contact hours of instructional services

scheduled to be delivered by an eligible preschool provider for all students enrolled in the

Preschool Program shall not be less than three-hundred and sixty (360) hours per school

year.

e preschool providers must meet the following minimum requirements as a condition of

participating in the Preschool Program:

The minimum number of planned teacher-pupil contact hours of instructional services

scheduled to be delivered by an eligible preschool provider for all students enrolled in the

Preschool Program shall not be less than three-hundred and sixty (360) hours per school

year.

When fulfilling this requirement, eligible preschool providers may take into

consideration the number of available teacher-pupil contact hours left in the

school year based on when a child enrolls in the Preschool Program, and this

requirement shall not be construed as requiring three-hundred and sixty (360)

planned teacher-pupil contact hours of instructional services when a child is not

enrolled in the Preschool Program for the entire school year.

Eligible preschool providers must ensure that children receive an equal opportunity to enroll and

receive universal preschool services regardless of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual

orientation, gender identity, lack of housing, income level, or disability, as such characteristics

and circumstances apply to the child or the child’s family.

Eligible preschool providers shall maintain educator-to-child ratios and group sizes in accordance

with the applicable maximum staff-child ratios and group sizes determined in the “Rules

Regulating Child Care Centers” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule section 2.217(A), or “Rules

Regulating Family Child Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule sections 2.305 through

2.310. Beginning on July 1, 2026, no classroom of an eligible preschool provider shall have an

educator-to-child ratio that exceeds 1:11, or a maximum group size that exceeds twenty-two (22);

and beginning July 1, 2027, no classroom of an eligible preschool provider shall have an

educator-to-child ratio that exceeds 1:10, or a maximum group size that exceeds twenty (20)

rule sections 2.305 through

2.310. Beginning on July 1, 2026, no classroom of an eligible preschool provider shall have an

educator-to-child ratio that exceeds 1:11, or a maximum group size that exceeds twenty-two (22);

and beginning July 1, 2027, no classroom of an eligible preschool provider shall have an

educator-to-child ratio that exceeds 1:10, or a maximum group size that exceeds twenty (20). The

approved maximum educator-to-child ratios and group sizes of this rule shall not supersede the

maximum staff-child ratios and group sizes allowed, based on a primary provider’s license type

for a family child care home, as determined in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule sections 2.305 through 3.310.

Exceptions to the maximum educator-to-child ratios and group sizes in this rule may be

applied if an eligible preschool provider has a quality rating of four (4) or five (5) from the

Department’s Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System, and will be

allowed to serve children up to the maximum staff-child ratio and group size as

determined in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule section 2.217(A).

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If an eligible preschool provider has a Department approved wavier pursuant to 8 CCR

1402-1, rule section 2.115, the eligible preschool provider is permitted to serve larger

group sizes than allowed per rule section 4.110(C), provided the group sizes are in

accordance with the terms of the waiver received, and all other requirements are met.

This rule section shall not restrict an eligible preschool provider from having multiple

groups that are not separated from each other by permanent or portable dividers or walls,

or limit any other conduct allowed in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule sections 2.217(A)(15)(a)-(f),

provided all other requirements are met.

Qualifications for lead teachers.

waiver received, and all other requirements are met.

This rule section shall not restrict an eligible preschool provider from having multiple

groups that are not separated from each other by permanent or portable dividers or walls,

or limit any other conduct allowed in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule sections 2.217(A)(15)(a)-(f),

provided all other requirements are met.

Qualifications for lead teachers.

Eligible preschool providers must ensure that all teachers, educators, or other employees

are qualified in accordance with their applicable requirements identified in the “Rules

Regulating Child Care Centers” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule section 2.216; or in

accordance with the primary provider’s license type for a Family Child Care Home, and

the “Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes” located in 8 CCR 1402-1, rule sections

2.311 through 2.315.

This rule section shall not prevent an eligible preschool provider from enacting additional

requirements for their employees, provided the employee(s) meet all other qualifications

as required by these rules.

Pursuant to section 22-33-106.1, C.R.S., all eligible preschool providers must abide by the

limitations and procedures set forth regarding suspensions and expulsions for preschool through

second (2nd) grade.

Educating Children with Disabilities.

All eligible preschool providers educating children with disabilities shall ensure full

compliance with the “Standards for Placement of Preschoolers with IEPs in Educational

Programs (June 24, 2024)”, herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or

amendments are incorporated. These standards are available at no cost from the

Colorado Department of Education, 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203; or at

https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/appropriateedenvironments. These standards are

also available for inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood,

710 S. Ash Street, Bldg. C, Denver, Colorado 80246, during regular business hours.

corporated. These standards are available at no cost from the

Colorado Department of Education, 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203; or at

https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/appropriateedenvironments. These standards are

also available for inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood,

710 S. Ash Street, Bldg. C, Denver, Colorado 80246, during regular business hours.

Eligible preschool providers educating children with disabilities shall ensure compliance

with the applicable provisions of the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA),

as incorporated by reference in rule section 4.103(Z).

Eligible preschool providers educating children with disabilities shall comply with sections

22-20-101 through 22-20-206, C.R.S., known as the “Exceptional Children’s Educational

Act” (ECEA); and with the applicable provisions of the Colorado Department of

Education’s Rules for the Administration of the Exceptional Children’s Educational Act, 1

CCR 301-8, effective May 15, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference. No later

editions or amendments are incorporated. These rules are available for public inspection

during regular business hours and at no cost from the Colorado Department of

Education, located at 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203, and are also

available online at https://www.coloradosos.gov. Copies are available for public

inspection and copying at no cost during regular business hours at the Colorado

Department of Early Childhood, located at 710 S. Ash Street, Building C, Denver,

Colorado 80246.

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t 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203, and are also

available online at https://www.coloradosos.gov. Copies are available for public

inspection and copying at no cost during regular business hours at the Colorado

Department of Early Childhood, located at 710 S. Ash Street, Building C, Denver,

Colorado 80246.

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This includes, but is not limited to, an eligible preschool provider’s obligation to

ensure children with disabilities are served in a manner which conforms to the

training, certification, referral, identification, licensing, authorization, and dispute

resolution requirements found in 1 CCR 301-8, rule section 3.02(3).

4.111

QUALITY STANDARDS –INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

Learning Approaches.

Beginning Jully 1, 2026, and continuing thereafter, all eligible preschool providers must

utilize an early learning and assessment approach approved and included in the

Resource Bank by the Department, and that:

Aligns with the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines and the

Colorado Academic Standards, incorporated by reference in rule section 4.103(I)

and (G), respectively.

Uses assessment findings for instructional decision-making;

Is culturally, developmentally, and linguistically appropriate; and

Is inclusive of and appropriate for the diverse needs of each individual learner.

On-Site Observations.

At least every three (3) years, eligible preschool providers will receive an independent on-site

observation of environmental quality conducted by the Department. The Department will conduct

these observations, in alignment with existing on-site observations performed pursuant to

participation in Colorado Shines, the state quality rating and improvement system established

pursuant to section 26.5-5-101, C.R.S. The Department shall conduct the observations only using

staff who are trained in and familiar with assessing program environmental quality in the

preschool setting

will conduct

these observations, in alignment with existing on-site observations performed pursuant to

participation in Colorado Shines, the state quality rating and improvement system established

pursuant to section 26.5-5-101, C.R.S. The Department shall conduct the observations only using

staff who are trained in and familiar with assessing program environmental quality in the

preschool setting. The Department shall ensure that observational methods and related

resources that meet this requirement are included in the Resource Bank and will be considered

and reviewed in accordance with sections 26.5-4-205(3)(b) and (c), C.R.S.

Measurement of a preschool provider’s environmental quality shall include, but not be

limited to:

The quality of adult-child and child-child interactions; and

The quality of the overall learning environment, including student and staff

supportive services.

The Department shall ensure observations are conducted in an individualized and

differentiated manner so that they are specific to each provider in supporting quality

improvement for educators and classrooms while incorporating that provider’s level of

access to resources to ensure these standards are supported and implemented with

fidelity.

This rule section does not affect an eligible preschool provider's right to engage in privately

funded, inherently religious activity or affect the independence of eligible preschool providers,

including any rights protected by the Colorado and U.S. Constitutions, and applicable law.

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d and implemented with

fidelity.

This rule section does not affect an eligible preschool provider's right to engage in privately

funded, inherently religious activity or affect the independence of eligible preschool providers,

including any rights protected by the Colorado and U.S. Constitutions, and applicable law.

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4.112

QUALITY STANDARDS - HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing thereafter, eligible preschool providers must meet the

following requirements as a condition of participating in the Preschool Program:

Within six (6) months of participating in the Preschool Program, eligible preschool

providers must create, make publicly available and to the Department (either on the

provider’s website or in a handbook distributed to all participating families), and

implement policies and procedures to administer the following services in an

individualized manner taking into account what other services the child has received:

Voluntary developmental screening services (including vision, hearing, dental,

and health as well as fine and gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive, and

language);

Referrals for children and families seeking specialized services, upon request;

and

Translation services for children and families to access information in their home

language.

The Department shall ensure that the assessments, tools, and related resources that

meet the requirements of this rule section 4.112(A)(1), and are included in the Resource

Bank and will be considered and reviewed in accordance with sections 26.5-4-205(3)(b)

and (c), C.R.S.

Eligible preschool providers will be responsible for ensuring the development of the

policies and procedures as outlined in this rule section 4.112(A)(1), as well as ensuring

family access to the screening services, referral processes, and translation services as

described in this rule section 4.112(A)(1)

ll be considered and reviewed in accordance with sections 26.5-4-205(3)(b)

and (c), C.R.S.

Eligible preschool providers will be responsible for ensuring the development of the

policies and procedures as outlined in this rule section 4.112(A)(1), as well as ensuring

family access to the screening services, referral processes, and translation services as

described in this rule section 4.112(A)(1). The entity or individual actually conducting the

screening services, referral processes, and/or translation services, are responsible for

ensuring that those services are conducted using valid and reliable methods as described

in this rule section 4.112(A)(4), and are included in the Resource Bank as described in

this rule section 4.112(A)(2).

Any screening services, referral processes, or translation services administered, when

appropriate, pursuant to this rule section 4.112(A)(1), must be conducted using valid and

reliable screening tools and other related resources that are developmentally, culturally,

and linguistically appropriate, and must:

Require, when appropriate, the screening services to be offered or coordinated

within forty-five (45) calendar days of when a child first attends the eligible

preschool provider;

Entail the use of research-based developmental standardized screening tools;

Meaningfully incorporate other information from family members, teachers, or

other individuals with familiarity with the child’s typical behavior;

Be tailored and conducted in a manner which promotes and allows for

individualized usable information;

When involving a child suspected to need specialized instruction, the provider

must comply with all Child Find referral procedures established by the

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dividuals with familiarity with the child’s typical behavior;

Be tailored and conducted in a manner which promotes and allows for

individualized usable information;

When involving a child suspected to need specialized instruction, the provider

must comply with all Child Find referral procedures established by the

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Department of Education and refer the family to the Child Find contact in the

child’s administrative unit of residence; and

Ensure that participating children and families have a pathway to access early

childhood mental health programs.

All eligible preschool providers must notify families of the opportunity to participate in an

annual survey of families’ experiences in regard to screening, referral, and early

childhood mental health best practices to be conducted by the Department.

4.113

QUALITY STANDARDS - FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing thereafter, eligible preschool providers must meet the

following requirements as a condition of participating in the Preschool Program:

Within six (6) months of participating in the Preschool Program, preschool providers must

create, make available publicly (either on the provider’s website or in a handbook

distributed to all participating families) and for the Department, and implement policies

and procedures which ensure:

The usage of interpreters or other language resources to effectively

communicate with families in their home language;

Seeking input from participating families on priorities, interests, home routines,

and cultural and social practices;

Engaging families around goals which inform the preschool provider’s

interactions and instruction with children, including multilingual learners;

Engaging families and community partners in decision-making regarding the

preschool provider’s operations;

eir home language;

Seeking input from participating families on priorities, interests, home routines,

and cultural and social practices;

Engaging families around goals which inform the preschool provider’s

interactions and instruction with children, including multilingual learners;

Engaging families and community partners in decision-making regarding the

preschool provider’s operations;

Involving families in the transition of their children into and out of the Preschool

Program, including between classrooms within the Preschool Program and into

Kindergarten; and

The quality of program-family and program-staff interactions.

All eligible preschool providers must notify families of the opportunity to participate in an

annual survey of families’ experiences with meaningful and culturally appropriate

involvement in the program to be conducted by the Department.

4.114

QUALITY STANDARDS - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Department shall ensure that professional development hours required pursuant to this rule

section be in alignment with Colorado’s Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and

Professionals, including alignment with the competency areas as defined in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule

sections 2.213(M) and 2.312(R)(1).

This includes alignment with the seven (7) competency areas of:

Child growth and development, and learning;

Child observation and assessment;

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Colorado Universal Preschool Program

tencies for Early Childhood Educators and

Professionals, including alignment with the competency areas as defined in 8 CCR 1402-1 rule

sections 2.213(M) and 2.312(R)(1).

This includes alignment with the seven (7) competency areas of:

Child growth and development, and learning;

Child observation and assessment;

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1404-1

Colorado Universal Preschool Program

Family and community partnerships;

Social-emotional health and development promotion;

Health, safety and nutrition;

Professional practice; and

Teaching practices.

Professional development courses taken to complete the requirements of 8 CCR 1402-1,

rule sections 2.213(M) or 2.312(R)(1), to meet the Child Care Licensing requirements of

fifteen (15) clock hours annually, may also be used to satisfy the professional

development requirements of this rule section, provided all other requirements are met.

Lead teachers licensed by the Colorado Department of Education may use the

professional development courses required to renew their teaching license pursuant to

article 60.5 of title 22, C.R.S., to also satisfy the professional development requirements

of this rule section, if applicable.

Nothing in this rule section shall be construed as requiring these trainings for staff aides

of a family child care home or child care center, or individuals who are employed or

volunteer only on a short term basis.

required to renew their teaching license pursuant to

article 60.5 of title 22, C.R.S., to also satisfy the professional development requirements

of this rule section, if applicable.

Nothing in this rule section shall be construed as requiring these trainings for staff aides

of a family child care home or child care center, or individuals who are employed or

volunteer only on a short term basis.

Verifying documentation shall be submitted demonstrating completion of the applicable

professional development in accordance with policies and procedures established by the

Department and published by the Department in an easily accessible manner including,

but not limited to, being posted on the Department’s website. These verification policies

and procedures by the Department may include, but are not limited to, attestations,

maintenance of an individual employee’s profile within the Colorado Shines Professional

Development Information System (PDIS), and the submission by employees or providers

of any required information requested by the Department in a timely manner.

All Staff Professional Development Requirements.

Beginning July 1, 2026, within twelve (12) months of employment at an eligible preschool

provider, all staff responsible for the direct care of eligible children receiving preschool services

(including primary providers, applicant 2s, equally qualified providers, equally qualified

substitutes, and substitutes of a family child care home, and early childhood teachers and

assistant early childhood teachers of a child care center) must complete annually, at a minimum:

Four (4) hours of professional development in the competency area of social-emotional

health and development promotion, with at least one (1) of those hours of training in

trauma-informed practices specific to each staff member’s professional role;

Two (2) hours of professional development in the competency area of teaching practices;

and

care center) must complete annually, at a minimum:

Four (4) hours of professional development in the competency area of social-emotional

health and development promotion, with at least one (1) of those hours of training in

trauma-informed practices specific to each staff member’s professional role;

Two (2) hours of professional development in the competency area of teaching practices;

and

Two (2) hours of professional development in the competency area of family and

community partnerships, with at least one (1) of those hours of training in suspension and

expulsion practices.

Instructional Supervisor Professional Development

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1404-1

Colorado Universal Preschool Program

Beginning July 1, 2026, within twelve (12) months of employment at an eligible preschool

provider, instructional supervisors must complete annually, at a minimum, at least three (3) hours

of professional development in the competency areas of child observation and assessment, and

teaching practices, with at least one (1) hour of training in each competency area.

Any educator who is required to complete both the all-staff and instructional supervisor

professional development requirements contained in rule sections 4.114(B) and (C), may

use hours of professional development to fulfill both requirements concurrently, provided

the applicable requirements are met.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.