Denver Preschool Program estimates 1,000 fewer 4-year-olds since pandemic
The program’s leader cited families moving away, fewer births and rising living costs; she also reported nearly 70 families waiting for an infant-and-toddler pilot at Blossom House.
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Denver has about 1,000 fewer 4-year-olds than before the pandemic, the Denver Preschool Program estimates. The program’s leader also reported nearly 70 families waiting for an infant-and-toddler pilot at Blossom House.
President and CEO Elsa Holguín attributed the decline to families moving away during the pandemic, fewer births and the rising cost of living. She said higher costs can make young families hesitate to have children, according to the program’s briefing.
The program’s presentation put average monthly preschool tuition in Denver at $1,640. It reported an average $627 contribution from Colorado’s Universal Preschool program and an average $518 Denver Preschool Program tuition credit. Those averages do not establish what a typical family pays; the presentation says credits vary with family income, preschool quality and the number of children.
Holguín associated the Blossom House pilot with Mile High Early Learning. The briefing did not specify the pilot’s capacity.