Why Universal Preschool Works: Denver Preschool Program Featured in National Article
What if every family could access support to make early childhood education more affordable, regardless of income? That’s…
What if every family could access support to make early childhood education more affordable, regardless of income? That’s the question explored in a new DAME Magazine article, “What If Child Care Were a Right, Not a Benefit?” The article highlights how communities across the country are rethinking child care assistance to reach more families, remove barriers and build lasting support for early learning.
We’re proud that Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is featured as a national example of universal preschool access. For 20 years, DPP has helped Denver families lower their preschool costs through tuition support available to all Denver families with eligible 4-year-olds, regardless of income, neighborhood or immigration status. Families with greater financial needs receive more assistance, but every family can benefit.
The article, written by Elliot Haspel and Rebecca Gale, explores how this approach can do more than make preschool affordable. By including families across income levels, programs like DPP can increase participation, reduce the stigma sometimes associated with financial assistance and build broader community investment. Denver’s experience demonstrates that when families see the benefits of early childhood education firsthand, support for these investments grows.
As communities nationwide explore solutions to the child care affordability crisis, Denver’s story offers an important lesson: Investing in early learning benefits children, families and the community as a whole. We’re excited to see DPP’s experience contributing to this national conversation.
