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. 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 and may be required to submit it to CDE upon request.
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.

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

Post Training Evaluation

Participants will be asked to complete an overall training evaluation, which will include some knowledge check opportunities.

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.

LCO Training Resources

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

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