Colorado Recognized as a National Leader in Early Childhood Governance
New Report Highlights Colorado’s Unified Approach as a Model for Improving Access and Outcomes
Denver, CO – Colorado has been spotlighted as a national leader in early childhood governance in a newly released report by the Center for American Progress (CAP), States Seek to Improve Early Childhood Outcomes Through Consolidated Governance Structures. The report identifies Colorado’s unified approach under the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) as a groundbreaking model for enhancing early childhood services and ensuring better outcomes for children and families.
Colorado’s innovative governance structure consolidates key programs, including Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK), child care subsidies, early intervention, and licensing services, under a single agency. This approach has eliminated redundancies, streamlined access, and positioned Colorado as a trailblazer in addressing long-standing challenges of fragmented early childhood systems.
“Colorado’s unified governance model reflects our commitment to making early childhood services accessible and equitable for all families,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on family voices, we’re creating a cohesive system that ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive during their most critical developmental years.”
Key Findings Highlighting Colorado’s Leadership
The CAP report underscores Colorado’s success in creating a streamlined system for families, providers, and stakeholders. Key strengths include:
- Integrated Services: Bringing together critical programs such as Universal Preschool Colorado, early intervention under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.
- Improved Coordination: A unified structure reduces administrative barriers, facilitates funding distribution, and simplifies access for families and providers.
- Data-Driven Policy: Centralized data enables evidence-based decisions that prioritize equity, improve program outcomes, and strengthen early learning opportunities.
A National Model for Early Childhood Innovation
Colorado’s approach is already yielding significant results:
- Universal Preschool Colorado: Since its launch in 2023, the program has provided free, high-quality preschool to over 85,000 children, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.
- Equity-Focused Access: Programs and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of Colorado’s diverse communities, ensuring that all families can benefit.
- Workforce Support: Investments in professional development and provider resources strengthen the early childhood workforce and improve service delivery statewide.
“Colorado’s unified model offers a roadmap for states looking to prioritize early childhood as a critical policy area,” said Anna Lovejoy, Director of Early Childhood Policy at CAP. “Colorado’s efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration and thoughtful planning in transforming early childhood systems.”
The CAP report highlights Colorado’s success as a blueprint for other states seeking to streamline early childhood services. By uniting key programs, engaging stakeholders, and leveraging data, states can drive meaningful improvements in outcomes for young children.
For more information about Colorado’s early childhood initiatives, visit cdec.colorado.gov. To access the full CAP report, visit americanprogress.org.
About the Colorado Department of Early Childhood
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is committed to ensuring all children and families have access to the care, education, and resources they need to thrive. Established in 2022, CDEC unifies early childhood services under one agency to streamline access, improve outcomes, and build a sustainable, equitable system for all.
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