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Why Preschool

Benefits of Preschool

Children, families, and communities experience the benefits of preschool well beyond the years a child is in quality preschool.

Young girl in field of flowers looking at camera.

For Children

Quality preschool sets our youngest learners up for success in kindergarten and beyond.

  • 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5, making preschool an invaluable investment at the most critical time.
  • DPP tuition recipients are more likely to succeed in kindergarten, score higher on math and literacy skills, and show an increase in social-emotional awareness.
  • Children who attend high-quality preschool are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and succeed in their careers.
Two young preschool aged boys in a classroom together.
In addition to all of the early learning benefits from preschool, my son gained so much from being around his peers. It helped him develop and be prepared for kindergarten.”

Denver Parent

Everyone is Eligible

Every child in Denver is eligible for tuition assistance, regardless of income, neighborhood, or immigration status. Learn more about what options are available for your family and how to apply.

Why Preschool

For Families

Accessible and affordable preschool supports families both at work and at home.

  • Among families at all income levels, 85% indicated that DPP tuition credits provided relief from financial strain. Lower costs allowed families to send their children to the preschool of their choice, pay bills, buy food, and afford leisure activities.
  • Because of DPP tuition credits, families reported a 10% reduction in stress, which research shows leads to more parent-child interactions.
African American father with daughter on his shoulders at a community festival.
With tuition support, our families can use their additional resources to cover other needs and know their children are receiving a wonderful education with experienced teachers. DPP credits truly benefit the entire family”

DPP Provider

For Communities

Investing in early childhood education has been shown to benefit communities.

  • Research shows families are more likely to reinvest extra funds into the local economy for expenses and experiences.
  • Every $1 spent on early childhood education contributes $2.25 to the state’s economy by enabling parents to work.
  • Children who participate in early education programs are less likely to commit crimes later in life, reducing strain on the jail system and leading to safer communities.
Teacher with young children and flowers

Our Impact in Numbers

Our Impact

25%

Higher attendance rate for DPP students compared to non-DPP peers

10%

Higher ratings of social-emotional skills of DPP students by their teachers

28%

Improved fluency for children learning English as a second language

61%

Families reported preschool tuition savings helped them pay bills

75%

Families reported DPP tuition credits helped them send their child to the preschool of their choice

13%

Annual return on investment for every $1 spent on early education

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