Universal Preschool Program receives extra funding

(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is providing additional funding to providers participating in the 2024-25 Colorado Universal Preschool Program.

The funding will provide an estimated amount of up to $2,500, it is intended to expand program quality through initiatives such as coaching, training, staff bonuses, and other services that support the program implementation. Providers can also use the funds toward maintaining or expanding infant and toddler care at their facilities.

“Providing high-quality options for affordable early child care and education has never been more important,” said CDEC Executive Director Lisa Roy. “This funding furthers the state’s investment in the early childhood workforce and our youngest learners at the same time.”

This funding addresses Colorado’s shortage of infant and toddler care, which has an annual cost of $2.7 billion, according to the CDEC. In 2023, the average annual cost of care for infants in Colorado was $16,920 and $14,395 for toddlers.

More than half of Colorado residents live in a community where demand for infant-toddler care exceeds supply, with almost 75% of working parents reporting that access to childcare presents a challenge.

Funding for this initiative is being allocated through SB23-269 , “Colorado Preschool Program Provider Bonus Payments,” a bill signed by Governor Jared Polis in 2023.

Those who are eligible for the additional funding will receive an application from Colorado Universal Preschool’s payment provider portal by Saturday, June 1. The application will close on June 15 and funding will be distributed to providers by June 30.

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