Universal Preschool signed into law for Coloradan families in need

DENVER (KRDO) -- Gov. Jared Polis signed into law a measure that will enable every Colorado 4-year-old to attend preschool at no cost to their families.

Under the legislation HB 22-1295, it will provide 10 hours a week of free preschool to every child the year before entering kindergarten starting in the 2023 school year. This is expected to save Colorado families thousands of dollars per year. The legislation supports mixed delivery preschool options, prioritizing a parent's choice of where to send their child to school while strengthening local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

“Establishing universal preschool in Colorado is one of the most impactful things we are doing this session,” Senator Stephen Fenberg (D-Boulder) said. “Quality early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success, and streamlining the process to increase availability and affordability is just as beneficial to the parents of young children. The new department is going to make transformational changes for Colorado kids and their families.”