I was pleased to hear Governor Polis discuss preschool in his State of the State address earlier this month. I thank him for his commitment to early learning. I call on my state legislators, Rachel Zenzinger and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, to support a state budget that increases access to the Colorado Preschool Program.
Access to quality and affordable preschool and other early childhood education programs are of huge importance. Research shows that children who receive a quality early education are 20 percent more likely to graduate from high school and will go on to earn, on average, 50 percent more than their peers do.
In 2020, specifically, Colorado legislators have the opportunity to expand early learning for Colorado’s kids by supporting Governor Polis’ proposed 2020 state budget. This budget calls for an addition $27.6 million to decrease the Colorado Preschool waitlist, creating 6,000 new preschool spots for children in need.
As a teacher and professional with more than 40 years of experience supporting children with special needs, I know that all children involved in quality early learning benefit immensely – both academically and socially.
Colorado’s children deserve the best start in life, and our state legislators have the opportunity to make this happen in 2020.
Kiki McGough,
Arvada
