Issue Position: Early Childhood Education/Public Education

Issue Position

Whether or not a child goes to preschool or kindergarten can shape the course of their entire academic career. A large and growing body of research has demonstrated that early childhood education is one of the best investments Colorado can make to help every child succeed. Working on early childhood education can narrow the third grade achievement gap, lower the high school dropout rate, improve Colorado's economic productivity, and even curb the teen pregnancy rate. If we want to get serious about lifting kids out of poverty, we have to ensure that everyone, not just the wealthy, has access to early childhood education. I am determined to securing full-day kindergarten for all and half-day preschool for all who want it.

As your representative I will push for incremental, yet critical improvements that other states have provided for a generation, such as universal kindergarten. As the education community endeavors to craft a referendum that funds early childhood education in a way that works for students, parents, and teachers, taxpayers; I will look out for your interests and shape the conversation to reflect our progressive values.

Colorado must invest in our neighborhood schools to strengthen our communities. I will help prioritize resources to reduce class sizes and make sure every child is guaranteed the right to a strong public education. Education is a right, not a privilege. That is why I will fight to stop the spread of vouchers and the privatization of our public schools.

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