Governor Polis Celebrates Historic $239 Million in Savings on Preschool for Colorado Families

Year one of Universal Preschool saved families $239 Million

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Department of Early Childhood announced historic savings for Colorado families as a result of the successful Colorado's Universal Preschool Program (UPK). Year one of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program has saved families across Colorado $239 million on high-quality early education for children in their year before kindergarten. Early childhood education is key to ensuring future Coloradans can achieve high-paying careers, social mobility, and give back to the community.

"Thanks to free preschool, families across Colorado are giving their children the very best start, while saving an average of more than $6,100 every year, money that families can use for rent or mortgage or savings for college or retirement. I am thrilled to celebrate total historic savings of $239 million for families in Colorado, and we anticipate even stronger numbers for our second year as the success of free preschool continues growing and more families utilize the benefits and savings," said Governor Polis.

Free universal preschool saves families thousands of dollars every year and sets Colorado's youngest learners on the path to success. In the first year, more than 43,000 children were served by more than 1,900 providers in their year before kindergarten, resulting in an average family savings of $6,100 and a total statewide savings of more than $239 million. With Year 1 of free preschool, Colorado jumped from 26th to 8th in the country for enrollment. For the second year, more than 41,000 children have already registered and applied for the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, which is almost 1,000 more registered than at this time last year. In the second year, there are more than 2,000 providers registered across the state. Families are expected to save an average of $6,400 in the program's second year.

Governor Polis signed HB22-1295 establishing the Colorado Universal Preschool Program in April of 2022. This past legislative session, Governor Polis signed bills to expand UPK with additional tax credits to save families money, and help to provide more resources for childcare workers.

As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Lets Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success, an educational initiative to prepare students for greater success and drive economic growth across the country. Early childhood education is a staple to ensuring students are able to take advantage of opportunities, and reach their full potential.

To learn more about universal preschool visit upk.colorado.gov.

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