Gov. Jared Polis was in Idaho Springs to tout the launch of universal preschool across the state.

Visiting with teachers and children at Carlson Elementary School, Polis called preschool a win-win for parents and their children.

“It’s going to pay dividends for years in terms of increased achievement and better outcomes," he said.

He also said the program, called Department of Early Childhood’s Universal Preschool Service, can save families, about $6,000 per year on the half-day classes.

Polis' visit in Clear Creek  County comes amid a cloud of criticisms over the preschool program. A lawsuit filed earlier this month by several Colorado school districts claims the program does not properly address the rights of children with disabilities and was rushed, causing confusion and lingering concerns about funding.

And, two Catholic organizations filed suit alleging that requirements in the program violate their religious liberty. They said it should be reimbursed $6,000 for half-day students and $11,000 for full-day students, same under the new program.

Despite the lawsuits, Polis says he and staff are fully engaged in moving forward with universal preschool.

He said the Catholic Church wanted to be able to say no to certain parents, including those who are gay, Polis claimed.

Polis says 43% more children are enrolled in preschool classes this year compared to last year.

“So those are kids that their families would have wanted preschool before, but their parents couldn’t have afforded it,” Polis said.

Kids in Margie Marlin’s classroom were excited about the governor’s visit. Yet one voice asked, “Who are you?”