The bill creates the Colorado preschool program provider
participation bonus program (bonus program). The bonus program provides a one-time bonus payment to any eligible preschool provider (provider) that participates in the preschool program established in the department of early childhood (department). The bonus program can also award additional bonus payments if the eligible recipient maintains or increases the eligible recipient's licensed capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022, and April 1, 2024.
The purpose of the bonus program is to: •
Increase provider participation in the Colorado universal preschool program (preschool program) to ensure that all children have access to a universal preschool classroom in their communities;
•
Strengthen the mixed delivery system by supporting providers that have not previously participated in the Colorado state-run preschool program; and
•
Preserve access to infant and toddler care.
Providers are required to use the bonus payments to implement or
support the preschool program or maintain or expand infant and toddler care.
The department is required to report to the joint budget committee
on or before September 1, 2024, on the number and types of providers that receive bonus payments and the number and types of bonus payments awarded.
The bonus program is repealed, effective July 1, 2025.
