State officials in Colorado have announced that more than 11,000 children in the state will benefit from free full-day preschool classes this year, a significant increase from last year. The program is part of the state’s universal preschool initiative, which aims to provide extra hours of schooling for 4-year-olds with the greatest needs, such as those from low-income families, English language learners, and children in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
Last year, the state faced backlash after it was unable to fund as many full-day seats as initially promised, leaving many families without the support they were expecting. Several school districts covered the costs themselves, but expressed frustration over the budget impact. This led to a lawsuit alleging broken funding promises, which was ultimately dismissed by a Denver district court judge.
This year, at least 6,000 more children will qualify for free full-day preschool, thanks to an increase in funding approved by voters and revised eligibility criteria targeting children from the lowest-income families. The majority of students eligible for full-day preschool this year have the “poverty” risk factor, ensuring that children from the most vulnerable households are not overlooked.
The program has been popular since its launch, serving about 39,000 4-year-olds in its first year. State officials are optimistic about the progress towards serving students equitably and providing increased learning opportunities for those facing extra challenges. The goal is to continue expanding the program to reach more children in need of early childhood education.
Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com
