| Expanding Access to Quality Early Learning Opportunities in Colorado Access to quality early learning opportunities in Colorado is growing, but wide gaps caused by income and geography remain. Colorado’s Constitution provides for free public education starting at age six, and so for decades, the state’s school districts have not provided free full-day kindergarten, often leaving low-income parents to find other options. Last spring, the Legislature approved the Governor’s plan for funding full-day kindergarten statewide. Colorado also provides a limited number of free preschool slots for three- and four-year-old-‘s, but the number of children who are eligible for free preschool far exceeds the number of slots made available by districts that must rely on tuition to cover funding gaps. At the local level, cities like Denver have taken the lead in funding their own preschool programs by partnering with the district and private providers to expand access. At the state level, there is promising news as the Colorado Department of Education recently received a $38 million federal grant to expand access to quality early childhood services from birth through age five. Join local and state leaders in early education in Colorado for a discussion about efforts to expand access to early learning for all children wherever they live and whatever their needs. Panelists: To Be Announced Moderator: Parker Baxter, Director, Center for Education Policy Analysis CU Denver School of Public Affairs Details: When: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Terrace Room (2nd floor), 1380 Lawrence Street, Denver (map) Admission: Free, space is limited Appetizers and refreshments will be served. |
| This event is open to the public. Please forward this invitation to anyone you feel may be interested. |