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A smiling family, including two adults and a child, cooking together in a bright kitchen. Text overlay reads "Monthly Newsletter. Colorado Department of Early Childhood. March 2025."
In This Issue:
As part of our commitment to accessibility, you may notice expanded captions in our newsletter to ensure a more inclusive experience for all readers.
 Governor Jared Polis and CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy stand smiling in a classroom with educational posters on the wall. Text overlay reads "A note from CDEC Executive Director."
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
To Families, Providers, and Partners Across Colorado's Early Childhood Network,
We start this month together with some key updates.
Thanks to the commitment of our partners and more than 100 CDEC employees, we won the Colorado Technology Association’s 2025 APEX Project of the Year Award for our Raising Colorado Kids project. We also celebrated CDEC’s recognition by The Center for American Progress as a leader in Early Childhood Governance. We were able to honor Black History Month with a powerful History Colorado presentation by Terri Gentry of the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center. Additionally, we celebrated Parent Leadership Month by spotlighting the incredible parent leaders who make vital contributions to the CDEC, including those in the Family Voice Council, ECLC and its subcommittees, the Family Friend and Neighbor Advisory Council, the Tribal Advisory Council, and the family leaders who participate in program-specific efforts at CDEC. Finally, we enjoyed fellowship at the CDEC 2025 Winter Staff Party, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect and reflect on our hard work.
We have also tackled challenges. In February, we navigated federal changes with collaboration and determination to ensure young children and families receive the support they deserve. We are also navigating the difficult state budget environment while remaining committed to providing high-quality services for children and families. The Department is grateful for the action and willingness of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to explore potential solutions that address challenges in our critical Early Intervention (EI) program to ensure sustainable services for children and families. CDEC is actively collaborating with the JBC, providers, partners, and legislative staff to identify the most effective solutions for families.
This month, I also had the privilege of attending the Hunt Institute Governors’ Advisories Retreat in Scottsdale, AZ, where I met with policymakers, gubernatorial staff, and education leaders to advocate for greater investment in the early childhood workforce and highlight the impactful initiatives our workforce team is leading.
Every day, I continue to be in awe of your dedication and the difference we are making together. Thank you for your passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Colorado’s youngest learners and their families. I look forward to checking in with you again next month!
With Everlasting Appreciation,
Dr. Lisa Roy
This photo features several prominent Colorado leaders, including Governor Jared Polis and CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy, smiling while standing on a staircase in the state Capitol building. The text on the photo reads, "A Note From CDEC Executive Director."
 Five CDEC staff smiling at a table with cake and snacks. Bright room with large windows. Text reads, "Inside CDEC: Highlights & Happenings"
Inside CDEC: Highlights and Happenings
Colorado Department of Early Childhood Named Winner for Colorado Technology Association’s 2025 Project of the Year Award
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has won the prestigious 2025 APEX Project of the Year award by the Colorado Technology Association. This recognition honors CDEC’s innovative use of technology to simplify access to early childhood services for families and providers statewide.
Innovation happens when teams unite around a shared goal. We are overjoyed to see the work of so many talented staff members and partners earn this recognition for building a collaborative model, which blends agile methodology, human-centered design, and stakeholder responsiveness to address community needs.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to a family-centered, user-friendly system that delivers lasting improvements in Colorado’s early childhood landscape,” said Stephanie Beasley, Deputy Executive Director at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside Colorado’s most innovative leaders.”
This win is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets purpose, and we are excited to see how RaisingColoradoKids.com continues to transform Colorado’s early childhood landscape for the better.
Read the full press release here.
Watch the interview with Stephanie Beasely and Sabina Andersson about CDEC’s win here.
CDEC Winter Party
 Group of CDEC staff smiling at the Willow Ridge Manor.
Our Winter Staff Party 2025 was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Willow Ridge Manor in Morrison, Colorado. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our team, and warmly welcome our newest members. Guests enjoyed great food, refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, meaningful conversations, and engaging activities. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a memorable and enjoyable gathering!
 A group of five smiling CDEC staff sit around a table with drinks on it. Beside them is a cake with logos and the message, "Thank you for an amazing year CDEC! You are all rockstars!"
Audubon & Rocky Mountain Elementary School Visit
Earlier in February, Governor Jared Polis and CDEC Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Roy, visited two high quality Universal Preschool centers at Audubon Elementary School in Colorado Springs and Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Longmont.
At Audubon Elementary, Gov. Polis read to students and the pair congratulated Superintendent Gaal for his unwavering commitment to #UniversalPreschool and his work in elevating the importance of early childhood.
 Next, Gov. Polis and Dr. Roy enjoyed their time at Rocky Mountain Elementary: a Universal Preschool provider and a recipient of the Governor’s Math Bright Spot Award and the Governor’s All School Bright Spot Award in 2023. It was the only school to win both awards that year!
The duo remarked upon how Rocky Mountain Elementary has shown incredible growth in math achievement since 2019 and enjoyed a conversation about STEM-focused learning with staff as they toured the school.
Thank you to Audubon Elementary School and Rocky Mountain Elementary school for setting our youngest generation of Coloradoans up for success!
The Governors' Advisory Retreat
The Hunt Institute is proud of its role in building the capacity of executive leaders as they look for opportunities to prioritize education in their states – from convening sitting governors to preparing the governors of tomorrow. Critically, after leaving office, former governors continue to wield influence in their states, both in the public sphere and in private political circles.
The Hunt Institute is focused on equipping future, current, and former governors with the information, research, communication tools, and support they need to engage in state and national discourse around public education.
A key to this piece is having those who advise and implement the Governors' plans on the closest basis, collaborate.
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The Governors' Advisors Retreat is a dedicated convening that provides key state policymakers, gubernatorial staff, state education executives, and educator advisors an opportunity to learn about and discuss critical issues in education. The Hunt Institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.
The Colorado Team included:
- One Legislator: Representative Jennifer Bacon, Colorado General Assembly
- Governor's Education Advisor: Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director, CDEC
- State Higher Education Executive Officer: Dr. Tricia Johnson, Deputy Executive Director, CDHE
- Policy Advisor/ Chief of Staff: Danielle Fheili, Governor's Budget and Policy Analyst
- Dean of a flagship or minority-serving institution College of Education program: Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean, CU Denver School of Education and Human Development
- State Executive: Chair Rebecca McClellan, State Board of Education
 This event will focus on the impact of teacher retention and recruitment across the education continuum. We are inviting leaders from your state to come as a team to contribute to and benefit from participating in the Governors' Advisors Retreat taking place at the Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on Feb. 20-21, 2025.
 A child drawing with colorful markers on paper, focused expression. Text overlay reads "Colorado Universal Preschool Updates."
Colorado Universal Preschool Updates
This Wednesday: Last Chance To Apply For Preferred Provider Matching
Submit your Colorado Universal Preschool applications by this Wednesday, March 5, for the last opportunity to be matched with a preferred provider in the 2025-26 school year!
Submitting by March 5 gives you a higher chance to match with the provider that best fits your family’s needs.
Starting on April 1, families can directly enroll with providers who have space available throughout the rest of the 2025-26 school year.
Learn more and enroll now at UPK.Colorado.Gov!
 A child drawing with colorful markers on paper, focused expression. Text overlay reads "Colorado Universal Preschool Updates."
CDEC Policy & Legislation
Welcoming Barbara Wacker to the Rules Advisory Council (RAC)!
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is pleased to announce that Barbara Wacker has been officially appointed to the Rules Advisory Council (RAC) as of February 21, 2025! Barbara will serve the remainder of Senator Scott Bright’s term, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. Barbara brings over 30 years of experience in the early childhood system, having served in a variety of roles dedicated to improving outcomes for children, families, and early childhood professionals. Her deep knowledge and unique perspectives will be a valuable addition to the RAC, complementing the expertise of the current members.
The RAC plays a vital role in the rulemaking process, providing recommendations to the Executive Director on administrative rules that guide early childhood programs and services across Colorado. We are thrilled to have Barbara join this important work, and look forward to her contributions!
FEBRUARY RULE-RELATED MEETINGS/HEARINGS
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RAC County Subcommittee Meeting (Cancelled)
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Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
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Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting (Cancelled)
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Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
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Public Rulemaking Hearing (Cancelled)
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Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
SUBMIT WRITTEN FEEDBACK Please submit written comments regarding the proposed rules or rulemaking process to CDEC_Rulemaking@state.co.us.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED Sign up to receive Rulemaking Notifications and review the CDEC Rule Tracker to monitor and track the progress of the Department’s rulemaking proceedings.
 Two dads and a baby lie on a bed looking at the camera smiling. Text overlay reads "Community & Family Support."
Community & Family Support
Funding Opportunity: Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant
The Colorado Health Foundation is offering a remarkable funding opportunity to support the transformation of outdoor spaces for young children. The Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant is designed to help communities create safe, accessible, and inclusive outdoor environments, with a strong emphasis on early childhood.
If your organization or community is working to develop outdoor spaces that promote play, learning, and well-being for young children, this grant could be an ideal fit. This is a unique opportunity to enhance outdoor environments that support child development while creating welcoming spaces for families and caregivers.
To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, visit The Colorado Health Foundation.
Tax Information, Credits, and Support: Help spread the word to Colorado families!
There are several tax credits available to families, and they may not be aware they are eligible. Federal and state tax credits are associated with:
- Decreased infant mortality and low birth weight
- Decreased child and household poverty
- Decreased child maltreatment
- Decreased engagement with the child welfare system
- Increased food security
- Increased educational and earnings outcomes
 Free tax filing is also available to many people. We encourage you to talk with families that you work with and ask if they are planning to file their taxes or if they have received tax credits. You can refer them to free tax filing, help them schedule at a VITA site or share 2-1-1 information. Share the following resources www.GetAheadColorado.org and www.HaciaAdelanteColorado.org. Please reference the Users Group Presentation from January for more information about tax credits and support.
CCCAP Waitlist and Freeze FAQs
This document captures frequently asked questions related to counties implementing waitlists and/or enrollment freezes and is intended as a supplemental resource to the QRG: Waitlists and Enrollment Freezes. This document will be updated periodically to provide answers to the most current frequently asked questions. You can find it in the CCCAP Resources Folder > CCCAP Policy & Rule Resources > Waitlist and Freeze Resources.
Celebrate Parent Leadership Month
 Colorado Fatherhood Program
To support strong and resilient families, CDEC proudly offers the Colorado Fatherhood Program.
With 7 programs statewide, we provide dads and father figures with the tools to build positive parenting skills and healthy relationships. Our programs also connect participants to job training, child support services, housing resources, and more.
Find your nearest fatherhood program! → https://cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-fatherhood-program
 Three young children painting together at a table covered with art supplies. Text overlay reads "Early Childhood Workforce."
Early Childhood Workforce
New! Child Care Facilities Toolkit
New Resource! The Early Childhood Partnership (EPIC) is delighted to partner with the Department of Local Affairs, Department of Early Childhood and Division of Local Governments to release the Child Care Facilities Toolkit, an introductory video series designed for local governments and community leaders supporting local child care facility needs and development efforts. Visit Childcare Facility Development Toolkit | Colorado Department of Local Affairs to learn more!
Join us on the upcoming webinars to learn more about this video series as well as upcoming opportunities for technical assistance and local government planning grants on March 5th, 2025.
CDEC at the National Home Visiting Summit
On February 13, 2025, Brittany Martens, MIECHV Program Manager, along with Lisa Hill and Iesha Mitchell from Invest in Kids, presented at the National Home Visiting Summit in Washington, DC. After submitting a workshop proposal, CDEC was invited to present a joint session on the power of collaboration with staff from the LA Best Babies Network. Entitled, “Lessons from the West: Los Angeles’ and Colorado’s Approaches to Collective Advocacy and Systems Building,” the session explored the history and landscape of home visiting in Los Angeles County and Colorado, emphasizing the role of coordinating organizations in strengthening collective capacity.
Colorado’s portion of the session focused on the work and accomplishments of the Home Visiting Investment Task Force (HVITF). Specifically, the session highlighted the HVITF’s unique structure as a public-private advisory entity, while providing an overview of its history and accomplishments in driving systemic change in home visiting funding and infrastructure. The Water of Systems Change model was also shared with participants as an underlying frame of reference that can guide systems change work. Both entities shared mission statements and provided insights into the successes and challenges of their collaborative efforts. Attendees engaged in discussions on how these strategies could be adapted to other regions to enhance advocacy and systems-building initiatives. The session fostered valuable conversations about leveraging partnerships to improve home visiting services and drive long-term impact.
 The National Home Visiting Summit, sponsored by Start Early, is an annual event that brings together professionals, policymakers, and advocates to advance home visiting programs nationwide. Start Early, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring quality early learning experiences for children, has been hosting this summit for over a decade, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. With hundreds of attendees, the summit offers valuable opportunities to engage with experts, learn from innovative practices, and drive the future of the home visiting profession.
Home visiting is a voluntary, evidence-based program that connects trained professionals such as nurses, social workers, or parent educators with pregnant individuals and families with young children. Through personalized visits, families receive support on parenting, child development, health, and access to community resources, helping to strengthen family well-being and improve long-term outcomes for children.
Finding Home Visiting Services in Colorado- Families can explore home visiting services in their area by visiting Raising CO Kids.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Early Intervention
"March is National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month and was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. The CDEC is focusing on the impact of vital programs like Colorado's Early Intervention (EI) program, which supports over 20,000 infants and toddlers and promotes inclusion and addresses the ongoing barriers faced by young children with disabilities.
Why is this important? Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) affect how a person learns, thinks, communicates, or handles daily tasks. These disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy, typically begin early in life and can make everyday activities more challenging."
How the Colorado Department of Early Childhood's Early Intervention Program Makes a Difference:
- Supporting Over 20,000 Infants and Toddlers: This program provides critical support and services to children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families from birth to age three, impacting thousands of lives across our state.
- Promoting The Power of Early Intervention: Research confirms that the first three years of life are crucial for development. By providing timely services and support, EI helps children reach their full potential and may reduce the need for future assistance.
- Using a Family-Centered Approach: EI Colorado's foundation rests on seven key principles, ensuring services are family-centered and delivered in natural environments. Learn more about these principles here: https://dcfs.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#410000012srR/a/41000000CgXU/ywMdKz0sG9b8JnuyOz6QKVYmaAukhqY09nrm_ReIgR8
- If you are a family looking for support, please visit the Early Intervention Colorado website for more information: https://dcfs.my.salesforce-sites.com/eicolorado/EI_Families?p=family&s=For-Families&lang=en
How You Can Help During DD Awareness Month:
- Educate Your Network: Share information about IDD and the importance of programs like EI.
- Spread the Word Day: Pledge to eliminate the use of the "R" word.
- Disability Rights Advocacy Day (D-RAD): Join Alliance Colorado at the Capitol (or online) on March 6 at 8 a.m. to advocate for disability rights.
- Celebrate Achievements: Join the virtual luncheon on March 18th at 12 PM to honor award winners and learn more about IDD awareness. Watch live on Alliance’s Facebook Page!
- Attend the Webinar: On March 12 at 3 p.m., watch the announcement of the Direct Support Professional, Case Manager, and Advocate of the Year Awards on Alliance’s Facebook Page.
- Join for Lunch: March 18 at 12 p.m.: Colorado IDD Awareness Day Virtual Luncheon – Featuring speeches and the Award Winner Ceremony. Co-hosted by Alliance, Arc of Colorado, and JFK Partners: Watch live on Alliance’s Facebook Page!
Let's work together to create a more inclusive and supportive community for Colorado’s youngest learners.
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Share Your Stories!
In gratitude to the far-reaching contributors continuing to elevate Colorado's early childhood ecosystem, please help us celebrate the impact of the many involved by sharing your stories, learnings, memories, shout-outs, and more.
Please share your stories, photos, videos, and more, here.
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