Colorado Universal Preschool Expands Access While Providing Quality Early Childhood Education Across Colorado

~ Colorado has been making significant strides in expanding access to high-quality preschool education for families across the state. According to recent data, Colorado ranks third in the nation for preschool access for four-year-olds, with 70% of eligible children being served. This is a significant improvement from previous years, as the state has risen from 12th to 5th in the nation for serving three-year-olds.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his satisfaction with these results, stating that "In our third year, Colorado's efforts to expand early childhood education and help Colorado kids start off strong are working." He also highlighted the positive impact of Universal Preschool on both children and families, stating that it not only provides a good education but also saves families over $6,300 per year.

Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), echoed Governor Polis' sentiments and praised the state's progress in reaching children and families from all corners of Colorado. She emphasized that while expanding access is crucial, it must go hand in hand with ensuring quality across classrooms, providers, and communities.

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To achieve this goal, Governor Polis and CDEC have implemented a mixed-delivery system that includes school districts, community-based providers, and home-based care. This approach aims to provide children with high-quality early learning experiences in settings that meet the needs of families and communities.

The success of this system can be seen through the experiences of families who have benefited from Universal Preschool. J. Hughes shared how her son struggled with communication before enrolling in CDEC's program at age three but has since made significant progress in his speech development and confidence. Similarly, Brianna Mackey expressed her gratitude for the program as it allowed her daughter to thrive academically and socially despite financial constraints.

Providers have also seen positive outcomes through their participation in Universal Preschool. Kristin Ceriani, Executive Director of WHALE Respite Center, shared how the program has allowed them to support families raising children with delays and disabilities while also hosting meaningful events for the community.

As Colorado continues to expand access to preschool education, it is also committed to maintaining a strong foundation of quality. This approach not only benefits children and families but also sets them up for success in the future. With a growing system and a focus on quality, Colorado is paving the way for early childhood education in the nation.

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