kindergarten

Gov. John Hickenlooper presented his budget for 2012-13 today, and there was some good news, largely because of the slowly improving economy.

"Because of the hard work we did together in 2011 and 2012, the State's financial position is markedly improved," the governor said in a letter to the Joint Budget Committee. "Our plan reflects cautious optimism for Colorado's economy and a prudent, sustainable approach to managing the state's budget."

Here are some highlights as we see them:

???These recommended reforms are a needed step forward. For example, the P-20 Council wants to fully fund the Colorado Preschool and Kindergarten Program. Right now, it serves only about two-thirds of the kids we know are eligible,??? said Frank Waterous, senior policy analyst for the Bell Policy Center.

Articles: Legislature considers full plate of opportunity-related education bills; Free school breakfasts help hungry kids start the day fed and ready to learn; Eligible citizens denied services due to new identification requirements; Earned Income Tax Credit payouts stimulate local economies; www.thebell.org gets a functional overhaul

Give parents the option to enroll their kids in quality, affordable preschool and full-day kindergarten. This memorandum briefly discusses the issues surrounding this proposal, describes steps for implementing it, outlines some of the factors to consider and lists sources for additional information and resources.

Articles: Annie E. Casey Releases 2003 Kids Count, Nurse Home Visitor Program Proves Effective, US Congress Considers Changes to Head Start, Research Supports Delaying Kindergarten for Those not Ready to Succeed, CO Children???s Campaign Releases Study on High School Graduation Rates, Bell Forum Examines Access to Higher Education, New website Compares Levels of State Funding