(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that there are substantial numbers of children in this state entering kindergarten and the primary grades who are not adequately prepared to learn. The general assembly further finds that early school failure may ultimately contribute to such children dropping out of school at an early age, failing to achieve their full potential, becoming dependent upon public assistance, or becoming involved in criminal activities. By enacting this article, the general assembly acknowledges the need to adequately prepare all children to learn through preschool programs in school districts with high dropout rates or low performance of children in kindergarten and primary grades. In establishing the programs, the general assembly encourages school districts and parents to work together to ensure that the children benefit from the programs.
(2) The general assembly intends to fully fund the Colorado preschool program by increasing the number of children who may be served through the program over the 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 budget years.
Source: L. 88: Entire article added, p. 824, § 40, effective May 24. L. 92: Entire section amended, p. 487, § 3, effective May 26. L. 2006: Entire section amended, p. 683, § 26, effective April 28. L. 2008: (1) amended, p. 1224, § 35, effective May 22. L. 2009: (2) amended, (SB 09292), ch. 369, p. 1952, § 45, effective August 5.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2008 act amending subsection (1), see section 1 of chapter 286, Session Laws of Colorado 2008.