DPP 20th Anniversary - Denver Preschool Program

Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is one of the most powerful and successful examples of how community vision and voter support create impactful change.

Since 2006, Denver Preschool Program (DPP) has been helping Denver’s youngest learners get a strong start through high-quality early education. To date, DPP has opened the door to high-quality preschool for nearly 85,000 children (learn more about our origin story). What began as a bold idea has grown into a lasting investment in Denver’s future, driven by dedicated leaders, partners, and a shared commitment to families and educators. Today, that momentum continues—ensuring tens of thousands more children will thrive in the years ahead.

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82,864

STUDENTS SERVED

$204,000,000

TOTAL TUITION CREDITS DISTRIBUTED

$33,600,000

FUNDS DEDICATED TO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

$10,300,000

PRESCHOOL FOR 3S TUITION CREDITS DISTRIBUTED

Our Timeline

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2006

Denver voters recognize the need for public support for Denver’s young learners and approve a .12% sales and use tax to support preschool for all Denver families.

2018

To better support Denver families, we implement the greatest one-time increase to our tuition credit scale (10.7%) in DPP's history.

2023

After a two-year pilot, the value of an additional year of preschool tuition support is apparent, especially for families most in need, so the Preschool for 3s program becomes a permanent DPP offering.

Reaching Every Corner of Denver

Explore Denver Preschool Program’s impact through neighborhood‑level data, early childhood programs, and provider information from across Denver.

Visit our Interactive Map

DPP Stories

Real Stories, Real Impact

Families

How DPP makes a difference for families: "Finding out about the Denver Preschool Program gave me relief. Child care for my family, for two kids, was double our mortgage."

Teachers and Providers

How DPP support helps in classrooms: "DPP has allowed for me to refocus on why I teach in the first place, which is because of the children. I don't have to worry so much about finances and can focus on the kids."

Partners

Reflections of DPP through the years: "I have seen it firsthand how much of a difference that this organization can make in the lives of not just the families and the children that they serve, but also teachers and the providers."

Denver Preschool Program has definitely impacted my community for the better. I have seen first-hand the difference that this organization can make in the lives of not just the families and children they serve, but also the teachers and providers they serve.”

Denver Parent

DPP has made a huge difference. So many teachers put their own money into their classrooms and it has alleviated some of that pressure, that financial pressure for me to be able to provide a variety of extra material in my classroom that might not seem extra but isn't provided by the school. ”

Denver Teacher

Finding out about the Denver Preschool Program gave me relief. Child care for my family, for two kids, was double our mortgage. We love our caretakers. We don't feel like we do nearly enough to support them, and we barely have enough to do it. Thank you, Denver Preschool Program. The work you do is truly remarkable, and I hope it's copied and expanded upon in Denver and beyond.”

Denver Parent

Share Your Memories

We want to hear from you! Leave a message, comment on our social media platforms, tag us in your posts. Denver Preschool Program is possible because of supporters like you. Share how DPP has made a difference in your life and your community!

Share your DPP Story!

Dive Into our Media Resources

Learn more about Denver Preschool Program’s first 20 years and share our story.

Resources for the Media

Celebrate with DPP

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November 19, 2026 9:00 am

Celebrating Denver Preschool Program