Pueblo, Co – Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program will once again delay the implementation of key quality standards, marking the third consecutive year of postponements. Originally set to be implemented in 2023, these quality standards were first pushed back to 2024 and then to 2025. Now, the state has announced that the rules will not take effect until at least July 2026.
The UPK program, which provides four-year-olds in Colorado with at least 15 hours per week of free preschool education, has been widely praised for its potential to increase access to early childhood education. However, the state has faced numerous challenges in ensuring that the program meets the standards initially envisioned for its launch.
Among the quality standards that were slated to take effect are a 20-student cap on class sizes, specific curriculum requirements, and additional teacher training. These measures were designed to guarantee that children attending UPK programs would receive a high-quality educational experience, one that sets the foundation for lifelong learning.
Despite the program’s popularity and promise, key tasks necessary to implement these rules have fallen behind schedule. A state advisory committee, tasked with overseeing the rollout of the UPK program, voted recently to postpone the requirement once again, citing delays in the completion of important foundational work. The committee’s decision to extend the timeline has drawn concern from educators and parents alike, as many had hoped that the rules would soon be in place to ensure consistency and quality across the state’s preschool offerings.
According to reports from Chalkbeat Colorado, the state is grappling with significant hurdles, including the need to finalize curriculum guidelines and ensure adequate teacher preparation before enforcing the quality standards. The extended delay is expected to give the state more time to address these issues and to improve the overall execution of the program.
While the delay has been met with disappointment, it is also seen as a necessary step to ensure that when the standards are finally enacted, they will be effective and sustainable. Advocates for early childhood education are urging the state to use this additional time wisely to build a stronger foundation for the program, which serves as a critical piece of Colorado’s efforts to expand preschool access.
As the state moves toward the 2026 deadline, stakeholders will continue to monitor the progress of the UPK program. In the meantime, many families and educators are left hoping that the delays will ultimately result in a stronger, more effective preschool system for Colorado’s children.
