Colorado's Universal Pre-K Program: A Disastrous Betrayal of Colorado's Children

Colorado's universal Pre-K program has fallen dramatically short of expectations, enrolling less than 60% of the state's 4-year-olds. In a typical fashion of government incompetence, this figure barely scratches the surface of what experts consider necessary for a truly universal program.

The director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, Steven Barnett, asserts that a minimum of 70% enrollment is required to claim universal status. So, by Barnett's own admission, Colorado's program is nothing more than a feeble attempt at universality.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood, responsible for overseeing the program, reported that only 59% of 4-year-olds are currently enrolled. While this represents a 15% increase from the previous year, it is a far cry from the ambitious goals set by Governor Jared Polis.

Polis, who championed free universal preschool as a cornerstone of his legislative agenda, is shamelessly proclaiming that the near 60% enrollment figure exceeds expectations. But let's not be fooled by political spin. A paltry 60% falls far short of what was promised to the people of Colorado.

To truly reach universal status, one must take into account the number of 4-year-olds enrolled in Head Start programs. These programs focus on the same Pre-K goals of preparing children for a classroom environment. Therefore, they should be factored into the equation. However, it seems convenient for Polis and his supporters to conveniently ignore this key component.

The program, passed by Colorado lawmakers last year, offers 15 hours of free preschool per week to all Colorado children the year before they enter kindergarten. And for those with additional qualifying factors, such as special education needs or being from a dual-language or unhoused background, an extra 15 hours are available.

The funding for this ambitious endeavor comes from Proposition EE, a nicotine and tobacco tax approved by Colorado voters in 2020. The promise was that Colorado families would save over $160 million, but the reality is far from what was pitched.

Numerous factors contribute to the abysmal enrollment figures. Missing documentation, such as immunizations and health records, and issues with transportation and before-and-after-school daycare arrangements have plagued the program. Not to mention the early glitches experienced on the program's website, indicating poor planning and execution.

Experts in early education have aptly described the program's rollout as a clumsy attempt to build a plane while in mid-flight. Such a haphazard and ill-prepared launch does nothing but further erode confidence in the government's ability to deliver on its lofty promises.

Colorado's universal Pre-K program has fallen well below expectations, failing to even come close to the necessary enrollment figures for true universality. Governor Polis may try to spin this as a success, but the reality is that Colorado's children are paying the price for the government's ineptitude.