SVVSD wins $100K grant to help more paraeducators get teaching degrees

Blanca Perez started working as a preschool paraeducator at Longmont’s Indian Peaks Elementary when her oldest son was in kindergarten and discovered a love for working with children.

“I feel like they’re my own kids,” she said.

She had an associate degree from Front Range Community College and always wanted to continue her education but hadn’t been able to make it work while also raising a family. This school year, the St. Vrain Valley School District offered her an opportunity to take early childhood college classes for free, online and after the school day ended. She’s now on her second class.

St. Vrain Valley Schools