Denver, CO – Colorado voters of all backgrounds are united in their support for high-quality early education, according to a new bipartisan poll released today. The poll, from the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the First Five Years Fund (FFYF), found that 83 percent of voters believe the state should provide more young children the opportunity to participate in voluntary early learning settings. Additionally, voters across the state strongly support a range of investments in early childhood education that include providing voluntary coaching and education for new parents and increasing wages to attract and retain high-quality educators.

“We know that Coloradans value stimulating early childhood experiences, and now we see that the breadth and depth of that support is significant,” said Bill Jaeger, interim President and CEO of the Colorado Children’s Campaign. “The support for quality early childhood education across political, geographic and demographic boundaries is a testament to smart past investments in early childhood and the results Coloradans have seen among our kids.”

With the election right around the corner, early education will be top of mind for Colorado voters. Only 22 percent say we are doing enough to ensure children begin kindergarten with the skills and knowledge they need.

“We’ve known for a long time that quality early childhood learning opportunities are important to people in Colorado and across the nation.” said Kris Perry, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund. “With 68 percent of voters in the state saying birth through age five are the most critical years for developing a child’s capacity to learn, now is the time to reinvest in early learning programs for Colorado children.”

Additional findings from the poll are highlighted below:

  • Eighty percent of voters say ensuring children get a strong start in life through quality early childhood education is extremely or very important – ranked ahead of fixing the immigration system, reducing the tax burden on families and providing low- or no-cost college.
  • Sixty-two percent of Colorado voters say that half or fewer than half of early childhood programs in their area are both affordable and high-quality.
  • Seventy-six percent of Independents between 18 and 44 years old and 69 percent of moderates support a federal plan that helps states and local communities provide better access to quality early education.

The poll was commissioned by First Five Years Fund in conjunction with a bipartisan polling team of Public Opinion Strategies (R) and Hart Research (D). The sample was distributed proportionately throughout the state and is demographically representative of the electorate.

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About the First Five Years Fund: The First Five Years Fund helps America achieve better results in education, health and economic productivity through investments in quality early childhood education programs for disadvantaged children. FFYF provides knowledge, data, and advocacy – persuading federal policymakers to make investments in the first five years of a child’s life that create greater returns for all. http://www.ffyf.org

For further information, please contact:
Colorado Children’s Campaign: Tara Manthey, 720-256-1312
First Five Years Fund: Stratton Kirton, 202-527-4837