Colorado
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| Strategy Name | Strategy Type(s) | Year | Funding Amount | Funding Source | Features at a Glance | |
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Bilingual Spanish Licensing Unit
In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1009, establishing a Bilingual Spanish Licensing Unit (BSLU) within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to help Spanish-speaking child care providers obtain licensure. HB 1009 authorizes $360,000 in state funds per year so that the BSLU can offer child care licensing applications in Spanish and provide translation services throughout the licensing process—thus increasing families’ access to licensed child care options.
The BSLU was created in 2022, when the CDEC used $805,775 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to hire a bilingual team to help Spanish-speaking child care providers obtain license. That funding was set to expire in September 2024, but HB 1009 makes funding for the BSLU permanent.
BSLU specialists complete licensing inspections, facilitate training on licensing and small business ownership, and translate applications and other materials.
learn more: bilingual spanish licensing unit
Sources:
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (n.d.). Bilingual Licensing Specialists.
Robles, Y. (2024). Will Colorado lawmakers save a team that helps Spanish-speaking child care providers get licensed? Chalkbeat Colorado.
Colorado House Democrats. (2024). House Passes Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs.
Brown, J. (2024). Colorado invests in bilingual preschool as Spanish-speaking population grows with new migrants. The Colorado Sun.
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2024 | $360,000 per year |
State General Funds
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Bilingual Spanish Licensing Unit (BSLU) within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) helps Spanish-speaking child care providers obtain licensure
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In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1009, establishing a Bilingual Spanish Licensing Unit (BSLU) within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to help Spanish-speaking child care providers obtain licensure. HB 1009 authorizes $360,000 in state funds per year so that the BSLU can offer child care licensing applications in Spanish and provide translation services throughout the licensing process—thus increasing families’ access to licensed child care options.
The BSLU was created in 2022, when the CDEC used $805,775 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to hire a bilingual team to help Spanish-speaking child care providers obtain license. That funding was set to expire in September 2024, but HB 1009 makes funding for the BSLU permanent.
BSLU specialists complete licensing inspections, facilitate training on licensing and small business ownership, and translate applications and other materials.
learn more: bilingual spanish licensing unit
Sources:
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (n.d.). Bilingual Licensing Specialists.
Robles, Y. (2024). Will Colorado lawmakers save a team that helps Spanish-speaking child care providers get licensed? Chalkbeat Colorado.
Colorado House Democrats. (2024). House Passes Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs.
Brown, J. (2024). Colorado invests in bilingual preschool as Spanish-speaking population grows with new migrants. The Colorado Sun.
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Child Care Development Specialist Apprenticeship Program
In July 2020, Colorado passed HB 20-1053 to improve career and educational pathways for early childhood educators, including an apprenticeship program, the Child Care Development Specialist Federally Registered Apprenticeship Program, funded by approximately $5 million in federal stimulus money through September 2024 and administered through Red Rocks Community College. It is expected to address the workforce shortage in early childhood programs. Apprentices can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree and train to qualify as a child care center director. The program requires a 2-year commitment, and applicants must be at least 16 years old and either currently employed or willing to work full time in an early childhood program. The program requires 306 education hours and 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning with a mentor teacher. This program is the only federally registered apprenticeship for early childhood education in Colorado.
Learn More: Red Rocks Community College
Sources:
Red Rocks Community College. (n.d.). Child Care Development Specialist Apprenticeship Program.
Red Rocks Community College. (2018). Child Care Development Specialist.
Brundin, J. (2021). Apprenticeships Aren’t Just For The Trades. It’s Also A Way To Bolster Colorado’s Early Childhood Workforce. Colorado Public Radio.
Ellison, G. (2022). Colorado promotes apprenticeships for early childhood educators. Broomfield Leader.
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2020 | $5 million |
CCDBG COVID Relief Allocations – CARES, CRRSE, ARPA (CCDF & Stabilization)
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Part of Federal Registered Apprenticeship Program
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In July 2020, Colorado passed HB 20-1053 to improve career and educational pathways for early childhood educators, including an apprenticeship program, the Child Care Development Specialist Federally Registered Apprenticeship Program, funded by approximately $5 million in federal stimulus money through September 2024 and administered through Red Rocks Community College. It is expected to address the workforce shortage in early childhood programs. Apprentices can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree and train to qualify as a child care center director. The program requires a 2-year commitment, and applicants must be at least 16 years old and either currently employed or willing to work full time in an early childhood program. The program requires 306 education hours and 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning with a mentor teacher. This program is the only federally registered apprenticeship for early childhood education in Colorado.
Learn More: Red Rocks Community College
Sources:
Red Rocks Community College. (n.d.). Child Care Development Specialist Apprenticeship Program.
Red Rocks Community College. (2018). Child Care Development Specialist.
Brundin, J. (2021). Apprenticeships Aren’t Just For The Trades. It’s Also A Way To Bolster Colorado’s Early Childhood Workforce. Colorado Public Radio.
Ellison, G. (2022). Colorado promotes apprenticeships for early childhood educators. Broomfield Leader.
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Colorado Department of Early Childhood
In 2019, Jared Polis was elected governor of Colorado; his first term in office saw the passage of several significant pieces of early childhood legislation, including the creation of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. This new agency combined all early childhood programs previously housed in the departments of Human Services and Education. The Department Early Childhood and Universal Preschool Program (HB22-1295) bill created the new Department of Early Childhood responsible for implementing the state’s universal preschool program and included $13 million or key administrative functions.
High-level political leadership and a cabinet-level position paired with authority and commitment from the executive and the legislature can elevate and strengthen early childhood outcomes across the state or city. While the creation of a new department will not automatically create better outcomes for children, it can provide the structure and coordination needed to improve early education quality and accessibility across a state or city (Kagan, 2015).
Learn More: Early Childhood System | Colorado General Assembly
Sources:Department Early Childhood And Universal Preschool Program | Colorado General AssemblyEarly Childhood Leadership Commission (n.d.). Statewide Listening Tour.Bipartisan Policy Center (2023). Integrated Efficient Early Care and Education SystemsConnors-Tadros, L., Northey, K., Frede, E., Hodges, K. & Jost, T. (2021). Effective State Offices of Early Learning: Structural Features, Enabling Conditions, and Key Functions in Four States. Research Report. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research.Kagan, L. and Gomez, R. (Eds.). (2015) Early Childhood Governance: Choices and Consequences. Teachers College Press.
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2019 | $13 million |
State Dedicated Funding Stream
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Created a new department of early childhood
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In 2019, Jared Polis was elected governor of Colorado; his first term in office saw the passage of several significant pieces of early childhood legislation, including the creation of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. This new agency combined all early childhood programs previously housed in the departments of Human Services and Education. The Department Early Childhood and Universal Preschool Program (HB22-1295) bill created the new Department of Early Childhood responsible for implementing the state’s universal preschool program and included $13 million or key administrative functions.
High-level political leadership and a cabinet-level position paired with authority and commitment from the executive and the legislature can elevate and strengthen early childhood outcomes across the state or city. While the creation of a new department will not automatically create better outcomes for children, it can provide the structure and coordination needed to improve early education quality and accessibility across a state or city (Kagan, 2015).
Learn More: Early Childhood System | Colorado General Assembly
Sources:Department Early Childhood And Universal Preschool Program | Colorado General AssemblyEarly Childhood Leadership Commission (n.d.). Statewide Listening Tour.Bipartisan Policy Center (2023). Integrated Efficient Early Care and Education SystemsConnors-Tadros, L., Northey, K., Frede, E., Hodges, K. & Jost, T. (2021). Effective State Offices of Early Learning: Structural Features, Enabling Conditions, and Key Functions in Four States. Research Report. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research.Kagan, L. and Gomez, R. (Eds.). (2015) Early Childhood Governance: Choices and Consequences. Teachers College Press.
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Colorado Proposition EE
In 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition EE, which more than tripled state taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and vaping products, and established a dedicated funding stream for the state's universal pre-K program. Proposition EE generated $208 million in tax revenue in fiscal year 2021-22, about $22 million more than was estimated.
In 2023, a follow up proposition, Proposition II, was approved to allow the state to retain and use the $23 million excess revenue from increased and new taxes established by Proposition EE, instead of refunding it to distributors and wholesalers. In addition, Proposition II maintains the same tax rates as Proposition EE.
Learn More/Source: Proposition EE, Nicotine Tax Measure for Universal Preschool, Cruises to Victory
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2020 | $208 million in 2022 |
State Dedicated Funding Stream
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Tax is expected to generate up to $275.9 million in funding for universal pre-K during the 2027-28 budget year
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In 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition EE, which more than tripled state taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and vaping products, and established a dedicated funding stream for the state's universal pre-K program. Proposition EE generated $208 million in tax revenue in fiscal year 2021-22, about $22 million more than was estimated.
In 2023, a follow up proposition, Proposition II, was approved to allow the state to retain and use the $23 million excess revenue from increased and new taxes established by Proposition EE, instead of refunding it to distributors and wholesalers. In addition, Proposition II maintains the same tax rates as Proposition EE.
Learn More/Source: Proposition EE, Nicotine Tax Measure for Universal Preschool, Cruises to Victory
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Colorado Universal Preschool Program
In 2023, Colorado launched its Universal Preschool Program to provide free, high-quality preschool education to all four-year-olds in the state, with special provisions for three-year-olds from low-income families or those who meet other qualifying criteria. Overseen by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), the program uses a streamlined enrollment process to make quality preschool more accessible. It also includes a family matching system, which lets parents choose from a range of licensed preschool providers, including school-based, community-based, and home-based options. Licensed preschool providers can participate in the program by agreeing to uphold its quality standards.
Learn More: Colorado Universal Preschool program
Sources:
Zelinger, M. (2023). Proposed rule change for Universal Pre-K could help Coloradans next year. 9News Denver.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (n.d.). Universal Preschool Family Information.
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2023 | $69 million in FY22 |
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Program provides free, high-quality preschool education to all four-year-olds in the state, with special provisions for three-year-olds from low-income families or those who meet other qualifying criteria
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In 2023, Colorado launched its Universal Preschool Program to provide free, high-quality preschool education to all four-year-olds in the state, with special provisions for three-year-olds from low-income families or those who meet other qualifying criteria. Overseen by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), the program uses a streamlined enrollment process to make quality preschool more accessible. It also includes a family matching system, which lets parents choose from a range of licensed preschool providers, including school-based, community-based, and home-based options. Licensed preschool providers can participate in the program by agreeing to uphold its quality standards.
Learn More: Colorado Universal Preschool program
Sources:
Zelinger, M. (2023). Proposed rule change for Universal Pre-K could help Coloradans next year. 9News Denver.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (n.d.). Universal Preschool Family Information.
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Denver Preschool Program (DPP)
In 2006, the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) was funded through a 0.12% sales tax approved by voters in Ballot Question 1A; this was increased to 0.15% in 2014 when voters reauthorized and extended the program to 2026. The DPP offers tuition credits to all four-year-old children in the city. In addition to tuition assistance, the DPP also provides grants for professional development for early childhood educators. The program—which resulted from extensive lobbying and collaboration with businesses, parents, and educators in The Preschool Matters campaign and in the government-led Invest In Success initiative—has made a significant investment in early childhood education in Denver. To date, it has provided over $168 million in tuition support and over $25 million in professional development and has benefited more than 68,000 students, covering around 60% of Denver's four-year-olds.
Learn More: Denver Preschool Program (DPP)
Sources:
https://dpp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Stats-2016-2022.pdfEditSign
https://denverearlychildhood.org/for-programs/funding-opportunities/denver-preschool-program/
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2006 | $193 million |
City Dedicated Funding Stream
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Creation of program that offers tuition credits to four-year-olds
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In 2006, the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) was funded through a 0.12% sales tax approved by voters in Ballot Question 1A; this was increased to 0.15% in 2014 when voters reauthorized and extended the program to 2026. The DPP offers tuition credits to all four-year-old children in the city. In addition to tuition assistance, the DPP also provides grants for professional development for early childhood educators. The program—which resulted from extensive lobbying and collaboration with businesses, parents, and educators in The Preschool Matters campaign and in the government-led Invest In Success initiative—has made a significant investment in early childhood education in Denver. To date, it has provided over $168 million in tuition support and over $25 million in professional development and has benefited more than 68,000 students, covering around 60% of Denver's four-year-olds.
Learn More: Denver Preschool Program (DPP)
Sources:
https://dpp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Stats-2016-2022.pdfEditSign
https://denverearlychildhood.org/for-programs/funding-opportunities/denver-preschool-program/
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HB 1237
In May 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1237, creating three programs that encourage local governments to improve community planning, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes that support the development of child care facilities. The programs are administered by the Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs and are funded by the Child Care Facility Development Cash Fund, also created by HB 1237. The bill allocated $250,000 in state funds to implement the three programs. They are:
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2024 | $250,000 |
State General Funds
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HB 1237 created three programs that encourage local governments to improve community planning, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes that support the development of child care facilities
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In May 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1237, creating three programs that encourage local governments to improve community planning, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes that support the development of child care facilities. The programs are administered by the Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs and are funded by the Child Care Facility Development Cash Fund, also created by HB 1237. The bill allocated $250,000 in state funds to implement the three programs. They are:
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Kids First
In 1990, voters in Aspen approved a referendum to increase the city’s sales tax by 0.45 percent to provide “affordable housing and day care,” both in the city and in the surrounding Pitkin County community. The tax was extended by voters in 1999 and in 2008 by 66% and 67% of the vote, respectively, and will remain in effect through 2038. The annual revenue generated by the tax has hovered between $1 million and $1.6 million over the years.
The revenue is used for a wide range of purposes related to early childhood education, including child care subsidies for families. Just over half of the revenue is allocated to Kids First, an Aspen government program that assists families and child care providers throughout Pitkin County. For child care subsidies, Kids First assists families whose income is up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. The program also offers grants to child care providers for quality improvements, professional development, and infant and toddler operational support, as well as bus passes for employees, training and technical assistance, substitute staff, quality improvement coaches, and grant writing and resource development assistance.
learn more: kids first
Source:
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (n.d.). City of Aspen.
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1990 | Between $1 million and $1.6 million per year |
City Dedicated Funding Stream
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Sales tax generates revenue that is used for a wide range of purposes related to early childhood education, including child care subsidies for families, grants to child care providers for quality improvements, professional development, and infant and toddler operational support
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In 1990, voters in Aspen approved a referendum to increase the city’s sales tax by 0.45 percent to provide “affordable housing and day care,” both in the city and in the surrounding Pitkin County community. The tax was extended by voters in 1999 and in 2008 by 66% and 67% of the vote, respectively, and will remain in effect through 2038. The annual revenue generated by the tax has hovered between $1 million and $1.6 million over the years.
The revenue is used for a wide range of purposes related to early childhood education, including child care subsidies for families. Just over half of the revenue is allocated to Kids First, an Aspen government program that assists families and child care providers throughout Pitkin County. For child care subsidies, Kids First assists families whose income is up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. The program also offers grants to child care providers for quality improvements, professional development, and infant and toddler operational support, as well as bus passes for employees, training and technical assistance, substitute staff, quality improvement coaches, and grant writing and resource development assistance.
learn more: kids first
Source:
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (n.d.). City of Aspen.
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Sales and Use Tax for Denver Preschool Program
First in 2006, and then again in a 2014 reauthorization that extends through 2026, voters approved an allocation of 0.15 percent of sales and use taxes for the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). About 80% of the DPP funds go to families in the form of tuition credits.
Learn More/source: Denver Preschool Program
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2006 |
State Dedicated Funding Stream
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80% of funds generated by the 0.15% sales and use tax are allocated to families in the form of tuition credits
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First in 2006, and then again in a 2014 reauthorization that extends through 2026, voters approved an allocation of 0.15 percent of sales and use taxes for the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). About 80% of the DPP funds go to families in the form of tuition credits.
Learn More/source: Denver Preschool Program
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Strong Start
In 2017, San Miguel County voters approved a ballot measure to create a dedicated funding stream for early childhood systems and services in the county; 63% of voters approved the measure, which increased the local property tax by .75 mill. In 2021, the levy generated $484,991.
The fund is managed by the Strong Start program, an initiative of local nonprofit Bright Futures. Revenue is dedicated to four priorities: increasing the capacity of early education programs; recruiting, training, and retaining early childhood professionals; improving the quality of early care and education programs; and providing financial assistance to families. This includes salary supplements to support teacher retention, scholarships for teachers to pursue continuing education, and need-based financial aid for families, among other priorities.
learn more: strong start
Sources:
Loschert, K. (2022, November 8). Children’s Fund Spotlight: Strong Start, San Miguel County, CO. Children's Funding Project.
Bright Futures. (n.d.). Strong Start Overview.
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2017 | $484,991 in 2021 |
County Dedicated Funding Stream
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A voter-approved property tax increase that created a dedicated funding stream for early childhood systems and services in the county
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In 2017, San Miguel County voters approved a ballot measure to create a dedicated funding stream for early childhood systems and services in the county; 63% of voters approved the measure, which increased the local property tax by .75 mill. In 2021, the levy generated $484,991.
The fund is managed by the Strong Start program, an initiative of local nonprofit Bright Futures. Revenue is dedicated to four priorities: increasing the capacity of early education programs; recruiting, training, and retaining early childhood professionals; improving the quality of early care and education programs; and providing financial assistance to families. This includes salary supplements to support teacher retention, scholarships for teachers to pursue continuing education, and need-based financial aid for families, among other priorities.
learn more: strong start
Sources:
Loschert, K. (2022, November 8). Children’s Fund Spotlight: Strong Start, San Miguel County, CO. Children's Funding Project.
Bright Futures. (n.d.). Strong Start Overview.
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Teacher Salary Increase Pilot Program
In 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood invested $3 million of Child Care Development Fund funds to conduct a pilot program to increase wages for educators serving children from birth to age five. Approximately 30% of child care programs that apply will be randomly selected to receive funding via a lottery process. This funding will increase educator pay by $1,000 to $1,200 annually. Programs that receive funding must meet the following criteria:
- 40% of children enrolled in the program receive Colorado Child Care Assistance Program subsidies
- The program holds a Colorado Shines Rating of Level 3 to 5
The success of this pilot program will be measured in terms of its impact on early educator recruitment, retention, and economic well-being. Family child care providers will be eligible for a different pilot program designed for home-based settings, which will launch at a later date.
Learn More: Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Salary Increase Pilot
Sources:
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (2022).Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Salary Increase Pilot.
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2022 | $3 million |
Increase early childhood educator compensation by $1,000-$1,200 annually
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In 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood invested $3 million of Child Care Development Fund funds to conduct a pilot program to increase wages for educators serving children from birth to age five. Approximately 30% of child care programs that apply will be randomly selected to receive funding via a lottery process. This funding will increase educator pay by $1,000 to $1,200 annually. Programs that receive funding must meet the following criteria:
- 40% of children enrolled in the program receive Colorado Child Care Assistance Program subsidies
- The program holds a Colorado Shines Rating of Level 3 to 5
The success of this pilot program will be measured in terms of its impact on early educator recruitment, retention, and economic well-being. Family child care providers will be eligible for a different pilot program designed for home-based settings, which will launch at a later date.
Learn More: Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Salary Increase Pilot
Sources:
Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (2022).Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Salary Increase Pilot.
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Demographics Link copied!
Demographics Data Scorecard
State population
5,839,926 Source U.S. Census, 2022
Rural %
14.0% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Urban %
86.0% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Number of children 0–4
313,160 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Poverty levels - children 0—8 below 200% poverty
30% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Median family income among households with children
$102,300.00 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Unemployment rate
3.8% Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2024
Unemployment rate of parents
5% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children under age 6 with all available parents in the labor force
65% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children living in households with a high housing cost burden
30% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Child Population by Race and Ethnicity Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Race and Ethnicity
- American Indian and Alaska Native (1%)
- Asian (3%)
- Black or African American (4%)
- Hispanic or Latino (32%)
- Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (.5%)
- Two or more races (5%)
- White, not Hispanic or Latino (55%)
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
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| Governor | D | D | D | D | D |
| State House | D | D | D | D | D |
| State Senate | D | D | D | D | D |
Early Childhood Education Programs Link copied!
Early Childhood Education Programs
| Program Name | Program Length* | Universal or Targeted Pre-K Policy | State Spending Per Child |
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| Universal Preschool Colorado Source: Colorado Department of Early Childhood 2023 | Half-day; minimum 2.5 hours/day during school year | Transitioning from Targeted to Universal Pre-K Policy (4-year-olds) Colorado Department of Early Childhood 2023 | $3,599 |
3-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs NIEER 2023
Programs
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Pre-K
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Head Start
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Special Education
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Other/None
4-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs NIEER 2023
Programs
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Pre-K
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Head Start
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Special Education
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Other/None
Workforce Link copied!
2017–2019 Median Hourly Wages Source CSCCE 2018, 2020
Role
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Child Care Workers
$13.18 (2017, adjusted)
$13.79 (2019) -
Preschool Teachers
$14.52 (2017, adjusted)
$15.25 (2019) -
Preschool or Child Care Center Directors
$23.78 (2017, adjusted)
$23.01 (2019)
Funding Sources Link copied!
Federal and State Early Childhood Education Funding (in Millions) Source First Five Years Fund, 2024
Funding Source
- Head Start and Early Head Start Funding ($123)
- CCDBG & Mandatory Funds ($138.3)
- CCDBG State Match ($35.4)
- State-Funded Pre-K ($76.8)
- MIECHV ($9.1)
- IDEA Part C ($8.3)
- IDEA Part B, Sec 619 ($5.5)
- TANF Early Learning and Care ($99.8)
- Preschool Development Grant Birth ($3.9)