What is the Denver Preschool Program (DPP)?
Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is the result of a ballot initiative approved by Denver residents in November 2006. The initiative recognizes the importance of quality early childhood educational opportunities for all children in the City and County of Denver by setting aside a percentage of sales tax revenue for tuition credits for families and quality improvement grants for preschool providers.
The program is open and voluntary for all Denver children in the last year of preschool before kindergarten and includes all licensed preschool providers that agree to participate in the DPP quality-improvement system.
Why should I enroll?
Preschool is essential to a child’s education. From reading and writing to problem solving, the lessons taught in quality preschool programs prepare children for a lifetime of learning. By providing tuition credits to families, DPP helps ensure that every child in the City and County has the opportunity to succeed.
Because nearly 80 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five, children need a range of learning experiences to help brain “circuitry” form. Preschool ensures that children have the skills they need to succeed so they don’t fall behind and stay behind.
Quality preschool programs go beyond childcare, providing children with cognitive, social and emotional skills, as well as the capacity to continue to learn and gain understanding --attributes that pave the way for their success in kindergarten, throughout their academic career and later in life.
Who is eligible?
Families residing in the City and County of Denver with children in the last year of preschool before kindergarten are eligible to receive tuition credits. DPP bases tuition credits on family income, the number of people living at home, the tuition at the family’s chosen preschool, and the quality of the preschool. All families, regardless of income, are eligible for some portion of tuition credit.
Families have the option of choosing the preschool that meets their needs, including public, private and home-based preschools. Half-day or full-day preschool programs are eligible, as are preschools outside of Denver, provided the preschool is enrolled in DPP.
How does DPP improve quality of preschools in Denver?
Preschools enrolled in DPP are required to be licensed and to participate in a quality improvement program. The quality improvement program ensures that providers meet or exceed objective criteria based on high national standards that address teacher credentials, curriculum, parent involvement and more.
How do I apply?
DPP enrollment is easy. To apply, parents or guardians should:
- Complete and submit a DPP application, found under DPP Applications in the menu bar
- Provide proof of your child's age and of parent/child residency in City and County of Denver
- Provide documentation of family income for the most current month
How is the tax revenue being spent?
The vast majority of the funds are going to families for tuition credits and providers for quality improvement. Outreach and enrollment efforts are also be an important component of the program, especially in the early years, to ensure that parents and preschools know about this program and take advantage of it.
Why is there a contract between the City of Denver and the Denver Preschool Program Inc.?
Since January 2007, the City of Denver has been collecting sales tax revenue through an initiative that was approved by the voters in November 2006. The City is contracting the operations of the Denver Preschool Program to a non-profit corporation, Denver Preschool Program, Inc.
Why is early childhood education important?
More than 40 years of research shows that early childhood education provides significant educational and social benefits for children, families and communities. Almost 80 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five. It is critical that our children grasp basic and fundamental abilities early so they are prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten. See Benefits of Preschool.
Who manages the Denver Preschool Program?
The program is being administered by the Denver Preschool Program, Inc. an independent, non-profit organization that was created for the sole purpose of operating the Denver Preschool Program. It is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors that makes all financial and business decisions about the program. A 25-member Board of Advisors counsels the Board of Directors on education policy issues. Both Boards are appointed by Mayor Hickenlooper and approved by City Council; City Council appoints one member to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of citizens with experience running businesses, non-profits and public programs. The Board of Advisors includes preschool providers, parents and leaders from the education, non-profit, foundation and business communities.
Does the Denver Preschool Program violate the principles of separation of church and state?
No. The tuition credits go to parents, who then choose the provider that they feel is best for their child. The program is carefully structured to ensure that parents have the freedom to choose a faith-based program, yet tax dollars will not be used to support religious instruction. Qualified faith-based providers who choose to participate in the Denver Preschool Program will agree to separate the religious aspects of their curriculum from the non-religious components. Quality improvement funds will be used only for non-sectarian purposes.
Will the program be protected if sales tax revenues fluctuate?
The program has been designed with flexibility to meet the changing needs and demands of the community and changing financial realities. The amount of the tuition credits will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
How will you ensure our tax dollars are not being wasted on bureaucracy or otherwise misused?
The Denver Preschool Program Inc. is responsible for reporting annually on the number of children participating in the program, the quality of the preschool providers and the financial health of the program. Administrative costs will be limited to 5 percent of the sales tax revenue. The remaining 95 percent of the sales tax revenue will be used for tuition credits and quality improvement.
What if I don't want my child to participate in preschool?
Participation is completely voluntary. This program is open to all families in Denver regardless of income if their child is in their last year of preschool before kindergarten.
Do I have to send my child to the preschool in my neighborhood? Does the preschool have to be located in Denver to be eligible?
A Denver family may use the tuition credit with any preschool provider who is licensed by the state and has enrolled with the Denver Preschool Program, regardless of where that provider is located.
Can preschools charge families more than the amount of the tuition credit?
Yes. Preschools set their own tuition rates. The amount of the tuition credit will vary according to family income and size as well as the preschool's quality rating. The tuition credit may or may not cover the full cost of tuition.
What do preschool providers have to do to participate in this program?
The only requirements are that preschools be licensed by the state and agree to participate in a three-part quality improvement system. Preschool programs will be eligible to receive technical assistance and funding to help develop and achieve their quality improvement plan.
What will the three-part quality improvement system entail?
The Denver Preschool Program Inc. contracts with Qualistar Early Learning and offers three ways to receive a quality rating: through Qualistar Early Learning’s quality rating system, through the National Association for the Education of Young Children's accreditation program, and through the National Association for Family Child Care accreditation process. Preschools participate in the DPP quality improvement system that consists of: (1) an introduction to quality, (2) a quality rating and (3) development of a quality improvement plan. All preschools in Denver who participate in the quality rating system are eligible to receive assistance and funding from DPP to obtain their quality ratings and to help develop and achieve their quality improvement plans.
What provider types are eligible to participate?
DPP is open to all provider types: for-profit, non-profit, public and private providers operating centers as well as family child care homes.
Will this program favor DPS early childhood education programs over privately run preschools?
No. DPS programs will not be given special status. Every licensed preschool provider with a commitment to quality will be eligible to participate.
Are participating providers required to use a set curriculum?
No. The only requirements for participating are that the provider be licensed by the state and agree to participate in a three-part quality rating system.
If I don't feel my family needs it, can I donate the tuition credit back to my child's preschool?
Yes. If you do not wish to receive the tuition credit, you may elect to donate it to your child’s preschool provider. If you choose this option, please work directly with your preschool provider to determine their preferred method for receiving your monthly donation.