PRESS RELEASE
Governor Polis, Department of Early Childhood Celebrate Colorado As A National Leader in Supporting Families and Babies
State’s Investments in Early Childhood Pay Off as Families See Record Increases in Resources
DENVER – Today, Governor Polis, and the Department of Early Childhood celebrated Colorado’s recognition as the top state in the nation for increasing resources and support for families with young children, according to a new analysis from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. The findings, presented during the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s Great Progress, Great Opportunities 51-state convening in Denver, highlight Colorado’s achievements in expanding programs and resources for infants, toddlers, and their families since 2020.
“Colorado is the best place to live, work, play and raise a family. We have taken large strides in ensuring that Colorado families are supported and prioritized, from offering Universal Pre School to 12-weeks paid family leave we continue to set the standard in the nation toward growing our economy and supporting our families who choose to Colorado home,” said Governor Polis.
The report, 5 Years of Progress on the State Policy Roadmap, reveals that a parent earning minimum wage with two children in Colorado now has $54,330 in total resources available to them in 2024—up from $32,703 in 2020. This $21,627 increase is the largest resource gain for families in the nation.
“Colorado’s success reflects the power of intentional, data-driven policies that prioritize families,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “These achievements are not just numbers—they represent real progress in ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for a lifetime of success. We are proud to lead the way in supporting families and children.”
Dr. Cynthia Osborne, executive director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center said, “Colorado has shown that investing in families and young children drives measurable, meaningful results and a commitment to comprehensive policies and innovative approaches that provides a roadmap for others to follow.”
Key Highlights from the Report
Since 2020 Colorado has:
- Implemented a 12-week paid family and medical leave program in January 2024 that protects $10,620 of wages for a worker earning the national median wage.
- Increased the state minimum wage from $12.00 to $14.42, leading to an additional $5,034 in annual earnings.
- Expanded the state’s refundable earned income tax credit from 10% to 50% of the federal credit, increasing the maximum benefit by over $1,685 to a household with one child.
- Implemented a refundable child tax credit and refundable Family Affordability Credit, providing a maximum of $4,400 in resources to a household with one child.
- Began implementing Family Connects, an evidence-based comprehensive screening and connection program, statewide.
- Increased income eligibility for child care subsidies, reduced family copayments, and increased subsidy reimbursement rates to providers.
- Began using Medicaid to reimburse community-based doulas for services up to $1,500.
- Established a new department (the Colorado Department of Early Childhood) to consolidate early childhood programs and services.
- Enacted a policy to expand Medicaid and CHIP to children and pregnant individuals who were previously ineligible due to immigration status beginning in January 2025. The state expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014.
- Maintained support for evidence-based home visiting. programs, Early Intervention services, and policies to reduce administrative burden for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
For more information about Colorado’s achievements and the 5 Years of Progress on the State Policy Roadmap report, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does it mean for Colorado to be named the top state for increasing resources for families with young children?
Colorado has been recognized for its comprehensive approach to expanding programs and policies that support families and young children. This includes significant increases in financial resources, expanded health care access, enhanced child care support, innovative programs like Family Connects and paid family leave, and the creation of a new Department focused on the well-being of children ages 0-8.
- How is Colorado addressing child care affordability and access?
Colorado has increased income eligibility for child care subsidies, reduced family copayments, implemented universal preschool, and transitioned to a cost-based reimbursement model. These measures ensure families have access to affordable child care while supporting providers with fair compensation.
- How is Colorado supporting the early childhood workforce?
The state offers professional development opportunities, access to free tuition, competitive reimbursement rates, and policies that promote workplace flexibility, such as paid family leave. These efforts aim to attract and retain skilled professionals in early childhood education.
- What steps has Colorado taken to improve health care access for families?
Colorado has expanded Medicaid and CHIP eligibility to include children and pregnant individuals previously excluded due to immigration status, beginning in January 2025. Medicaid also reimburses community-based doulas for services, improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- How does Colorado’s minimum wage increase benefit families?
The state’s increase in the minimum wage from $12.00 to $14.42 provides an additional $5,034 annually for full-time workers, directly improving financial stability for families with young children.
- What is the Family Connects program, and how does it help families?
Family Connects is an evidence-based program that connects families with local resources through home visits and comprehensive screenings. By identifying and addressing family needs early, the program supports healthier outcomes for children and families.
- How does paid family leave benefit families and the workforce?
The 12-week paid family leave program allows parents to bond with their newborns or care for family members without sacrificing income. This strengthens family bonds while supporting workforce participation and retention.
- What is being done to support child care providers in Colorado?
The state is investing in fair reimbursement rates, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring providers have access to resources and training. These efforts help stabilize and grow the child care industry while maintaining high standards of care.
- How does this work support families and children beyond the infant and toddler years?
Early childhood investments support families and children prepare for success as they grow and transition into preschool and beyond. From infancy to elementary school by providing up to 15 hours of high-quality preschool for all eligible 4-year-olds, the program reduces costs for families and ensures access to critical early education.
The creation of the Department of Early Childhood has allowed for a more intentional focus on children ages 0-8, aligning programming and resources to better serve children and families beyond the infant and toddler years. Early education fosters social, language, and early literacy skills, preparing children for kindergarten and lifelong success. Additionally, the program’s cost-based reimbursement model supports providers while maintaining affordability for families.
- How can families learn more about these programs and resources?
Families can visit CDEC.Colorado.Gov or call 2-1-1 to explore programs like Universal Preschool, child care subsidies, Medicaid, and Family Connects. Resources are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all families.
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