Early Childhood
Voters in about 15 Colorado communities have approved the use of lodging tax revenue for child care efforts.
New federal rules are making the program better for parents and providers, but they come with a hefty price tag.
A lawyer for the Catholic preschools at the center of the case said he was disappointed by the state’s plan to repeal the rule.
A 2022 state law allowed counties and local marketing districts to use lodging tax dollars for child care and housing — if voters approve.
Experts say the Colorado case over universal preschool — or one like it — could wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Several of the grants aim to help Hispanic and immigrant communities.
Schools are adding staff, offering new training, or emphasizing social and emotional skills. But educators say they need more help.
The number of children who will get 30 hours of preschool a week this year is more than double the number of kids who got full-day classes last year, state officials said.
The pilot program will expand from six to eight school districts this school year.
Among the plaintiffs are six school districts: Cherry Creek, Harrison, Mapleton, Platte Valley, Westminster, and the Brighton-based 27J..
A federal judge had rejected most of the Catholic preschools’ claims in a June ruling.
But another troubling trend remains: The percentage of K-3 students reading significantly below grade level jumped up and has stayed up.
Leaders of both special district efforts hope to ask for voter approval in 2025.
Advocates say there are about 45 outdoor preschool programs in Colorado.
By the fall, the Cherry Creek district will offer preschool at every elementary school.
The judge could issue a decision in the next few weeks.
More than 40,000 employees work on the Denver airport campus.
The process of getting the 2023 gift from Mackenzie Scott was exciting and mysterious, leaders at Early Milestones Colorado said.
More than a dozen local organizations that help administer Colorado’s tuition-free preschool program signed a letter to Gov. Jared Polis protesting potential funding cuts.
The new tax credit would help about 45% of Colorado families