Colorado’s free universal preschool program, Universal Preschool Colorado, has catapulted the state from 27th to third in the nation for preschool access, enrolling 70 percent of eligible four-year-olds in its first year, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) that was released on April 29. While access has seen a dramatic increase, concerns remain about the quality of the programs.
The NIEER report found that Colorado met just two of 10 quality benchmarks, ranking it among the lowest in the nation, alongside Texas, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The benchmarks cover critical areas such as class size limits, teacher qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios.
Governor Jared Polis praised the program’s rapid expansion with a post on X that said “Colorado’s free Universal Preschool has moved the state from 27th to 3rd nationally in access to preschool enrollment in just two years. We look forward to building on the success of free preschool and helping even more children and families enroll and access the benefits.”
Launched in July 2023, Universal Preschool Colorado enrolled more than 52,000 children in its first year, an increase of 31,000 from the previous program, called Colorado Preschool Program. It now includes nearly 2,000 providers across the state, according to the NIEER report. The initiative saves families an average of $6,100 annually and serves a diverse student body, with nearly half coming from low-income households.
“The experiences children have in their first few years of life lay the foundation for their future,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, in a press release issued yesterday. “That’s why Colorado created the Universal Preschool program so that every child, no matter their background, can have the best possible start.”
Dawn Odean, director of Universal Preschool, highlighted the state’s long-term commitment. “Our commitment to continuous improvement is rooted in partnership with educators, providers, families, and local communities, with a shared vision that puts Colorado children’s outcomes at the center,” she said.
While the state has made significant strides in expanding access, officials acknowledge that quality still needs attention. New standards are in development, but they won’t be implemented until at least 2026. Families are encouraged to consider both the affordability and quality of the preschool programs available to them.
