Preschool Access Grows, but Quality Gaps Challenge Workforce

Colorado’s universal preschool program has successfully expanded access, enrolling thousands of children across the state. Yet a recent evaluation underscores a critical pivot point: sheer enrollment numbers are no longer the primary metric of success. The report indicates that while families are taking advantage of the program, the quality of learning environments varies significantly, raising concerns about long-term outcomes for children and the stability of the early childhood workforce.

At the heart of the quality challenge is the early childhood educator workforce. Many providers report difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified staff, partly due to low wages and limited professional development opportunities. The evaluation suggests that without targeted investment in coaching, credentialing, and compensation, classrooms may struggle to deliver the high-quality instruction that the program’s architects envisioned. This is particularly acute in rural and underserved communities, where access to training resources is sparse.

Workforce Development as the Quality Lever

To close the quality gap, the evaluation points to workforce development as the most effective lever. Strengthening pathways for educators to earn higher credentials, coupled with mentorship and ongoing assessment, can raise instructional quality. Colorado’s early childhood councils and community colleges are already piloting stackable credentials and apprenticeship models, but scaling these efforts requires sustained funding and cross-sector coordination. The report also highlights the need for data systems that track both program quality and workforce trends, enabling policymakers to target resources where they are most needed.

Ultimately, the evaluation serves as a call to action: Colorado must shift from a focus on enrollment to a focus on excellence. For the workforce, this means not only more jobs but better jobs—with fair pay, respect, and opportunities for growth. The state’s preschool program has the potential to be a national model, but only if it invests in the people who make quality possible. The next phase of implementation will determine whether Colorado can turn access into genuine opportunity for every child and every educator.