Providing quality preschool education is hard work In July of
2012, the Cortez area preschools were selected to participate in
the Colorado School Readiness Program. This project provides
services that help the early learning facilities attain quality
programs that promote academic success and social and emotional
wellbeing. The preschools in Cortez recognize that the early
years of a child's life are very important. The first five years
of development is a very critical period. Providing a quality
environment is of utmost importance in a child's growth; at
least 85 percent of a person's emotional and intellectual
abilities are formed by the age of five. Children who receive
high-quality care demonstrate greater social skills in school
and in later life, excel in reading and math, have better
attendance records in school, enjoy school more, and are more
motivated to learn. Youth who receive quality care in their
early years have a higher graduation rate and are more likely to
pursue schooling after high schoo