In Colorado, 1,141 universal preschool providers were awarded more than $15.3 million in the first round of capacity building grants using American Rescue Plan Act funds that were requested by the governor and approved by the legislature.
According to the news release from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, “Capacity Building Grants fund education materials and supplies, health care materials and supplies, technology, furniture and site infrastructure.”
“We are preparing to welcome the first class of universal preschool this fall, and these exciting grants help to ensure preschool providers have the resources they need. From funding for education materials and school supplies to technology and furniture, these grants help give Colorado kids the strong start they need to thrive in school and beyond,” Gov. Jared Polis said.
All Universal Preschool Colorado providers are eligible to receive the one-time grant. Grants are awarded based on the use categories selected during the application process.
In the first round, 57% of 2,010 providers applied for the funding opportunity.
In Montezuma County, seven preschools received funding from this initiative, totaling $124,177.94. The preschools that received funding were Trinity Lutheran, Mancos Early Learning Center, Mancos Valley Dragonfly Preschool, Por Dia Preschool and Daycare, The Nest Preschool, Children’s Kiva and Beech Street Preschool.
One preschool in Dolores County, Doves Nest, received funding, but those funds weren’t disclosed.
The second round of grants will have an additional $18.8 million available for UPK and participating providers.
“All licensed child care providers in the state can sign up to participate in UPK Colorado during the 2023-24 school year through the end of August and would be eligible for the grant,” the news release stated.
According to Colorado Department of Education, UPK Colorado high quality and voluntary mixed delivery preschool program that is state-funded and available to every Colorado child in the year before they are eligible to enter kindergarten. Families that participate in UPK Colorado save $6,000 per year on average.
“We are so pleased with the number of providers who have already applied for the Universal Preschool Capacity Building Grants. By supporting providers with these grants, we are helping them improve their programs, which results in a stronger foundation for all Colorado children. We encourage all remaining eligible providers to apply for a grant in the next round,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
