It’s only been a few weeks since the school year ended and summer break began, but school leaders in Ridgway and Ouray already have their eye on the coming fall and the start of universal preschool for Ouray County’s youngest students.

Starting in August, Colorado will fund one year of free preschool for all students who are a year out from enrolling in kindergarten, along with additional support for younger, at-risk students.

Four-year-olds can enroll in up to 15 hours of free preschool per w...