The Vail Valley Foundation’s YouthPower365 Magic Bus mobile preschool program has earned a prestigious Level 4 rating from Colorado Shines, Colorado’s official quality rating system for early childhood education. On a scale of one to five, this rating places the free, mobile preschool among the highest-ranked early education providers in the Eagle River Valley.
The Magic Bus program offers free early childhood education to children ages three to five across the Eagle River Valley, from Dotsero to Avon. Operating four days a week, the program provides eight hours of instruction, focusing on key areas such as social-emotional development, language skills, literacy, and math. It features a bilingual classroom environment and emphasizes play-based learning to help prepare children for school success.
“This achievement highlights the hard work and dedication of the Magic Bus educators, staff, and supporters,” said Amy Chato, director of family and early learning for YouthPower365. “Earning this top rating without a traditional facility or playground is a testament to the program’s innovative approach and strong relationships that ensure high-quality early education for local families.”
Administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood, the Colorado Shines rating system evaluates programs in areas including child health and safety, staff training, learning environment quality, parent involvement, and organizational leadership. The Magic Bus’s high rating is especially significant given that it operates without a permanent physical location, highlighting its exceptional quality across other evaluated areas.
“We’re proud to provide high-quality preschool education directly to neighborhoods, breaking down barriers and making early education accessible to all families,” said Mike Imhof, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. “This helps set children on a path for a lifetime of learning.”
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