DENVER—State lawmakers want to put tens of thousands of 4- and 5-year-olds in preschool and kindergarten next year under the school finance act.
The proposal (House Bill 1388) would increase per-pupil funding to $5,250 to keep up with inflation and population increases.
Lawmakers also want to allow 22,000 more 4- and 5-year-olds to enroll in preschool and kindergarten over six years.
Legislators also want to provide more money for residential programs, such as treatment facilities or other facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services for students with special needs, including severe learning or emotional disorders.
Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said helping children when they are young is the best way to improve education.
“For the first time, we actually are making a significant change that will help kids learn better,” Pommer said.
