As a longtime early childhood educator in La Plata County, I celebrated when Colorado voters approved universal preschool with passage of Proposition EE in 2020. This valuable education will be available to every single child, the year before kindergarten, in our state beginning in fall 2023, but only if legislators act now.
Join me in calling on state legislators to pass House Bill 22-1295 to implement universal preschool. This legislation is a necessary step to building an expansive, quality universal preschool program in our state.
More than 50% of Colorado’s children live in child-care deserts, including right here in the Southwest. House Bill 22-1295 will expand opportunity for preschoolers and ensure young children have greater access to quality early childhood experiences. The Department of Early Childhood will unite many early childhood services under a single system that makes it easier for families to navigate.
House Bill 22-1295 allows for the creation of one high quality early childhood system for early childhood programs and services; one simple application for enrollment; one universal preschool program for all families who want it, regardless of income.
I call on state legislators to help make Colorado a place where young children can learn, grow and thrive by voting “yes” on House Bill 22-1295.
Stephanie Milner
Durango
