Research on the Universal Preschool Program’s Impact on Infant and Toddler Care

Phase 1

The first phase of our initiative will assess the impact of Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPP) on infant and toddler child care and understand the underlying reasons. Experiences from other states show that universal preschool can lead to a decline in infant and toddler child care spots, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Building on our ongoing analyses, we aim to elevate provider and family voices from communities facing the greatest child care challenges. Did they experience shortages in infant-toddler care? What policies could have prevented that?

We will conduct a minimum of 20 open-ended qualitative interviews with UPP providers and families with young children, focusing our recruitment efforts on providers and families located within communities who face the greatest barriers to access and opportunity.

Phase 2

In the second phase, we will devise actionable solutions. This involves convening partners, legislators, and community stakeholders to facilitate policy and systems change. Recent projects highlight the escalating demand for increased access, reinforcing our mission’s urgency. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to analyze unintended consequences and address critical needs to foster a supportive environment for children and families. Through these activities, Early Milestones demonstrates our commitment to advancing policies, practices, and systems by leveraging unbiased data and information, increasing understanding, and driving action within the early childhood ecosystem.