Denver families will likely continue to receive preschool credits long term. Initial results for the ballot measure on the long-term funding of the program show nearly 76% approval for the program.
The measure levies a 0.12% sales tax to fund the Denver Preschool Program (DPP), which gives tuition credits for preschool to families in Denver. Voters first approved the program for eight years in 2006 and reauthorized DPP in 2014. Approval of the 2023 ballot measure will make the funding stream for the program permanent.
DPP gave out more than $18.3 million in credits to more than 4,300 families between 2021 and 2022, according to data from the program. The average family received $790 per month. Any family in Denver with a three- or four-year-old can receive credits, but funding levels vary based on socioeconomic status. Denverites can calculate credits online.
The program also works to improve preschool quality across the city and helps new preschools get licensed. A 2014 study found that 90% of students in the program were considered school-ready based on national assessments.
