Preschool is available in many school districts; however, they
are fee-based programs with charges running from $100 to $325 per
month. Please check with the school district for
information. Many churches and private child-care facilities also
offer preschool programs for a fee.
The Colorado Preschool Program was
established by the Colorado General Assembly in 1988. As amended in
1992, the program was designed to serve "four and five-year-old children who
lack overall readiness due to significant family factors...and who would benefit
from participation in the state preschool program." The program is
funded through the state's basic participation in the state preschool
program." The program is funded through the state's basic school
finance formula and funding is currently capped at 9,050
children. Eight thousand and fifty of these slots support children's
participation in Pre-K programs, and 1,000 of the slots support children's
participation if full day kindergarten programs. Children are
currently served in sites in 154 school districts in the
state. Approximately half of the participating school districts
contract with Head Start or other local preschool programs. The
statute and rules governing this program mandate local management and oversight
by a broad-based district preschool council, coordination with family support
services, and a plan for parent involvement. Eligibility for children
to participate in the program is determined by criteria that have been
established by the state legislature and local district councils.