Division of Private Occupational Schools
The Division administers the Private Occupational School Act on behalf of the Governor appointed Private Occupational School Board, which meets monthly to approve new schools, school renewals, school programs and courses per the Act and Rules. To protect students against fraudulent and substandard educational practices, the Board also reviews Division investigations and issues disciplinary actions against schools when appropriate.
For more information contact the DPOS Team at DPOS@dhe.state.co.us.
DPOS Connect
This online tool is used by schools to manage everything required to maintain compliance with our Statute and Rules including required filings, agent applications, instructor updates, surety updates, program revisions, new program applications, change of location/name, change of ownership applications, and more. Click on DPOS Connect Resources on the menu to the left to find a link to the DPOS Connect login site, user guides, and school forms needed for upload. If you would like to request to be a new user for DPOS Connect, submit a DPOS school complaint, report an unauthorized institution, or request an exemption please go to the Colorado Eligible Training Provider's List.
House Bill 22-1049 regarding withholding student records (effective 4/21/2022)
Board Directive Regarding Advanced Training within Programs 9/4/2020
Notice to Schools Regarding Method of Delivery Changes 9/4/2020
- Ancillary/Supplementary Education Questionnaire
- Email the completed questionnaire to mary.kanaly@dhe.state.co.us.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Division has worked through the Department to keep schools updated as it receives information.
Governor Polis Pushes for Federal Funding for Small Businesses
Colorado Open Records Act
The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to transparency and open government. Please review our revised Colorado Open Records Act Policy for information about fees associated with processing CORA requests.
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has developed a tremendous resource to assist students with loan issues. The website has information on how to work through a default, repayment issues, renegotiating loans, other payment options, etc.
- Candler, Lorna, Chief Occupational Education Officer/Director
- Acosta, Rachel, Program Specialist
- Bentz, Austin, Program Specialist
- Combs, Lisa, Compliance Investigator
- Connors, Kristi, Division Specialist
- Esquibel, Bernadette, Receptionist/DPOS Program Specialist
- Kanaly, Mary, Deputy Director and Compliance Officer
- Solis, Kerrie, Program Specialist
- Torres-Recinos, Martha, Program Specialist