The Vail Valley Foundation’s (VVF) YouthPower365 Magic Bus mobile preschool program has been awarded a prestigious Level 4 rating from Colorado Shines, the state’s official quality rating system for early childhood education. This rating, which is based on a scale of one to five, places the program among the top early childhood education providers in the Vail Valley.
The Magic Bus program, which brings preschool education directly to communities on wheels, has gained recognition for its commitment to high-quality early learning, proving that exceptional education can go beyond traditional classroom settings.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, and supporters,” said Amy Chato, Director of Family and Early Learning for YouthPower365. “Earning a top-tier rating without a traditional facility or playground is a testament to our relationship-based approach and our innovative methods in delivering exceptional early childhood education.”
The Colorado Shines rating system evaluates programs based on several key areas, including children’s health and safety, staff training, learning environment quality, parent involvement, and leadership. The Magic Bus earned this high rating despite lacking a permanent physical location, highlighting its strong performance in these areas.
Sara Amberg, Executive Director of YouthPower365, expressed pride in the program’s success. “This Level 4 rating underscores our commitment to excellence in early childhood education,” she said. “We’re honored to offer this service to communities across the Valley, especially to families who may otherwise lack access to quality early education.”
Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation, emphasized the importance of the program’s reach. “This rating affirms that innovative programs like Magic Bus can provide top-quality education directly to families in need,” he said. “By bringing free preschool education to local neighborhoods, we remove barriers and ensure all children are prepared for a lifetime of learning.”
The Magic Bus serves children ages three to five across the Eagle River Valley, from Dotsero to Avon. Operating four days a week, the program offers eight hours of bilingual instruction, focusing on social-emotional development, language skills, literacy, and early math. The curriculum prioritizes play-based learning, helping children gain the skills they need for successful school entry.
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