Guest Blog: Willyn Webb, CSI Early Learning and School Support Coordinator

Preschool Support at CSI Schools

As CSI schools navigate the first year of Colorado’s Universal Preschool initiative, I’ve been working to provide guidance and integral support along the way. As CSI’s Early Learning and School Support Coordinator, I support CSI school staff through one-on-one consultation, school visits, and a bi-weekly preschool leader group. I communicate regularly with staff through a monthly Ready Set, READ newsletter, and podcast episodes that include updates, research, and inspiration.

What is “Universal Preschool”? 

Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado is a new program offering free preschool education for a single school year before children start kindergarten. Every 4-year-old in Colorado qualifies for a half-day (15 hours) of free preschool, and those meeting two qualifying criteria are eligible for 30 hours a week or full-day preschool. Twelve CSI charter public schools are currently participating in the UPK program. Within the mixed delivery system, these preschools have the flexibility to collect tuition for the remaining portion of the day beyond the UPK allocation while also benefiting from state funding. 

CSI school preschool leaders have been flexible and positive throughout the UPK first-year rollout. I’ve been impressed with how each preschool has prioritized communicating with families and doing what is best for students! Every preschool enrolled in the UPK program receives support from Local Coordinating Organizations (LCOs). This structure aims to merge the statewide organizational process with a local community perspective. 

Brianna Myers, Preschool Director of Salida Montessori Charter School, shared her experience, stating, “Our LCO has been great. She came to our preschool, learned about our model, and is very helpful every time I contact her. She provides excellent information in a timely way.” 

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) offers capacity-building grants and various other funding opportunities, distinct from CDE competitive grants. Chen Hong from AXIS International noted, “CDEC grants are easy to complete and [require significantly less time compared to CDE grants].”

Supporting UPK Participation 

CSI has worked to support its schools in UPK participation this year. 

New Preschools within the CSI Portfolio

Among the twelve CSI schools currently participating in UPK, two new preschools began operating in the 23-24 school year. 

MJM Teacher Leader, Martha Briggs, works on sorting with preschool student. 

CSI CPP Preschools 

Five CSI preschools previously participated in the Colorado Preschool Program through CDE. Now, they are UPK preschools!

• Community Leadership Academy | Commerce City, CO
• High Point Academy | Aurora, CO
• The Early Learning Center at New Legacy | Aurora, CO
• Montessori del Mundo | Aurora, CO 
• Monument View Montessori | Fruita, CO

Fully Tuition-based Preschools

There were also five preschools associated with CSI schools that were fully tuition-based. All chose to participate in UPK, saving families over $4,000 per year and making the school a possibility for more families.

• The Academy of Charter Schools | Westminster, CO
• Salida Montessori | Salida, CO
• Steamboat Montessori | Steamboat Springs, CO
• Colorado Military Academy | Colorado Springs, CO
• AXIS International Academy | Fort Collins, CO

Preschool Director at The Academy of Charter Schools, Amy Jackon, shared, “Participating in the UPK program has allowed for a “more diverse demographic than [The Academy] has had in previous years…[enhancing] learning and culture for all.”

Preschool students at AXIS International Academy

Looking Forward: Preschool in 2024

New UPK Preschools Coming Fall of 2024

Grand Junction will welcome Cactus Bloom Community School, a Wildflower microschool featuring a blended-grade Montessori model approach, in the fall of 2024. Also, Ross Montessori School in Carbondale will be opening a preschool in the fall of 2024 to meet the needs of their community and offer the Montessori program to younger students. Additionally, University Prep is set to open a preschool in Commerce City with plans to add a grade each year.