Mayor Michael B. Hancock today kicked off the fifth anniversary of the Denver Preschool Program by welcoming its 25,000th enrollee, four-year-old Victoria Romero, who will begin classes at the Early Excellence Program of Denver.
“I am honored and delighted to celebrate Denver’s commitment to early childhood education by welcoming Victoria and her family to the Early Excellence Program of Denver,” Mayor Hancock said. “Early childhood education sets the stage for future success in school and life, which is why the Denver Preschool Program plays a vital role in not only giving our children a smart start, but delivering a world-class city where everyone matters.”
“It’s only because of the Denver Preschool Program that I am able to afford to send my daughter Victoria to such a quality preschool where I know she will get a great start to learning,” said Emily Romero, Victoria Romero’s mother.
The Denver Preschool Program provided more than $7 million in tuition support to nearly 5,000 children during the 2011-2012 school year. The program also drives quality by offering coaching and quality improvement grants to participating preschools. Preschools are independently rated for quality so Denver families can choose the best option for their children.
“In 2006, Denver residents voted for Denver’s kids when they created the Denver Preschool Program. Today, nearly 70 percent of Denver’s four-year-olds are benefitting from that decision. In five short years the Denver Preschool Program has quickly become one of the highest enrolled early childhood education programs in the country,” said John Plotkin, Chair of the Denver Preschool Program Board of Directors.
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