Nonprofit Preschools Invited to Apply for Funding to Increase Enrollment, October 2007 Press Release
October 12, 2007
The Community Foundation is pleased to invite nonprofit preschools to apply for funding to increase capacity for serving more students in an effort to add 300 enrollment openings to our region’s preschools.  Funding applications may include, but are not limited to, expenses related to increases in preschool licensure, space, equipment, materials, and staffing.  These grants are not for tuition assistance.  Letters of intent outlining funding needs, anticipated outcomes, and estimated costs are due by Friday, October 26, 2007, 5 p.m. at the Community Foundation, 110 East Hallam Street, Suite 126, Aspen, Colorado 81611. 
Aspen Community Foundation launched its Early Childhood Education Initiative in July 2003 to address quality and accessibility issues in early education programs from Aspen to Parachute.  Through this five-year, $1.25 million investment, the Initiative’s original goals of expanding and enhancing early childhood education resource and referral services, parent education, and community outreach; supporting childcare providers in delivering quality early childhood education programs; and making early childhood education accessible more days to more children by increasing financial aid have been met through the Initiative’s grantmaking to nonprofit preschools and to Kids First for mentoring and resource and referral support.
The Initiative’s work has provided the opportunity to identify additional pressing issues within the early education system, such as the shortfall in preschool openings.  Our region’s tremendous growth has greatly impacted families’ demands for preschool enrollment, demands that far exceed the current supply. There are approximately 6,000 children residing from Aspen to Parachute and 2,300 available preschool enrollment openings.  With preschools confirming wait lists, it is clear that our early education system is challenged to serve the area’s population of young children.  According to the Colorado Children’s Campaign, a statewide children’s welfare advocacy organization, 61% of children need care as they live in homes where all of the adults work.  With 3,660 children potentially needing care in our region, we are left with a deficit of 1,360 enrollment openings. 
Through this funding effort, Aspen Community Foundation strives to address the shortfall in nonprofit preschool openings.  For more information, please contact Aspen Community Foundation at 970.925.9300 or info@aspencommunityfoundation.org.