Developmental Pathways

We are the Denver Preschool Program (DPP), and since 2006, we've been dedicated to making quality preschool accessible and affordable for all Denver families. Our journey began with a voter-approved sales tax, a testament to our community's commitment to early childhood education. We believe that a strong start in preschool sets the stage for lifelong learning and success, and we're passionate about transforming the futures of young children and their families by strengthening and funding this crucial early childhood experience. Our core mission is to ensure every child in Denver has an equitable opportunity to build a solid foundation so they can thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Our approach is multifaceted. We provide tuition support to families, with credits determined on a sliding scale based on income, ensuring that even families with the most need can access these vital programs – in some cases covering up to 100% of preschool costs. We partner with a wide array of preschool providers, including Denver Public Schools classrooms, community-based centers, and family child care homes, empowering families with choice. Beyond financial assistance, we are deeply committed to enhancing the quality of preschool education across Denver. We invest significantly in our preschool providers through a teacher-centric Quality Improvement (QI) framework. This includes professional development, training and coaching, classroom materials, and financial grants. Our community outreach efforts are extensive; we meet families where they are, attending community events and cultural celebrations, and providing information in multiple languages to ensure everyone is aware of the support available. Furthermore, we are dedicated to research and advocacy, using nearly two decades of data to inform policy and drive positive change in early childhood education at local, state, and national levels. We are proud that our efforts have shown tangible results, with children who participate in our programs demonstrating stronger early language, literacy, and math skills, as well as improved social and emotional development.