Universal Childcare · Pre-K For All
$17return for every $1 invested into preschool education.
I will
Make preschool free for all 3 & 4 year olds.
Preschool is more expensive than food. Than housing. Yet study after study shows it improves outcomes.
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Action 01 · Pre-K For All
Make preschool free for all 3 & 4 year olds.
The problem
The cost of preschool for families is often an entire year's salary. And Denver only provides for 4 year olds, often not enough for full-time.
Washington D.C. implemented Universal Preschool and found it had a dramatic effect on the amount of families staying in city limits vs moving out to the suburbs. This strengthens the tax basis, making Pre-K For All an investment, not a handout.
What Council can do
Refer a ballot measure to Denver residents to approve increased funding to implement Pre-K For All. Given its broad support, it would be expected to pass.
Ballot referralUniversal Childcare · Infant/Toddler Care
20%reduction in available infant & toddler care when Free Pre-K is implemented alone.
I will
Introduce a ballot measure to stabilize infant & toddler care in Denver.
Pre-K For All is great, but can increase costs for infant & toddler care if done in isolation.
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Action 02 · Infant/Toddler Care
Introduce a ballot measure to stabilize infant & toddler care in Denver.
The problem
Cities across the US & Canada have found that if they implement Preschool For All without finding some way to support infant & toddler care centers, those centers simply close.
Infant care is some of the most expensive to provide, and most day care centers lose money on it, every month. Normally, this cost is offset by revenue from the preschool age children. With Preschool For All making that free, childcare centers are left with little other options than raise prices or close.
What Council can do
After securing funding for Pre-K For All, City Council can refer a ballot measure to shift DPP's previous preschool tuition credits to infant & toddler tuition credits. No extra money needed, just shifting how it's used.
Ballot referralUniversal Childcare · Wage Equity
1/2of median income is the median income for a childcare worker in Denver.
I will
Ensure wage equity for all childcare workers.
Expanding childcare without paying workers fairly would exploit an already vulnerable workforce.
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Action 03 · Wage Equity
Ensure wage equity for all childcare workers.
The problem
Childcare work is some of the lowest-valued labor, but produces some of the highest-value rewards for a city and society. Multnomah County in Oregon increased teacher base pay from $19.91/hr to $37/hr, increasing the workforce, dropping turnover, and improving quality. The return on investment is clear. We just need the willpower to do it.
What Council can do
Ensure the Haynes-Gary Task Force for universal childcare includes worker and provider representatives. Also ensure that equitable pay remains a top priority of the commission.
Ongoing