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Family with baby on newsletter cover; parents smiling, engaging with their child. Title text reads “Monthly Newsletter, April 2025, Colorado Department of Early Childhood.”
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.
Three people smiling in front of a colorful mural with flowers and butterflies, under an exit sign. Text overlay reads, "A Note from CDEC Executive Director."
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
To the Heart of Early Childhood in Colorado,
Hello, and Happy Spring! 💐
As warmer weather arrives and the first blooms appear in our beautiful state, I hope we all feel a renewed sense of drive and purpose in our work. I feel incredibly grateful for you, my early childhood family, as you continue to stand firm in our shared mission to support all young children and families in Colorado while speaking out for your communities, providing feedback, and collaborating with us to identify the best possible solutions to challenges in our early childhood system. While I say this to you all frequently, please know that I truly mean it when I say Thank You.
As you will see in this April newsletter, our Department has exciting updates to share; all of which were made possible by our joint efforts.
Firstly, we are thrilled to see that tens of thousands of families are enrolling their children in Colorado Universal Preschool. High quality education is vital to the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children, and I encourage you to visit the information below to learn how you can give your child this leg-up in life with Colorado Universal Preschool.
Secondly, this month, we are broadening our campaign to connect families with RaisingColoradoKids.com, which simplifies how families find and access early childhood services. This project, and the 100+ CDEC employees and partners who created it, mean so much to me as a mother and a grandmother. I know how helpful this platform would have been when I was raising my children, and I'm so pleased that it is now available to support Colorado families!
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In March, I was honored to share CDEC's successes at a number of events, including at Illinois' Legislator Education Forum, as the state looks forward to launching its own Department of Early Childhood. It was a privilege to engage with key Illinois policymakers and the incoming Department leader, offering insights on the complexities of establishing a state-level early childhood agency. As Illinois launches its new Department, I'm pleased that they will look to our experiences – both successes and challenges – as they strengthen support for young children and families. It's incredibly rewarding to know that our work is contributing to the expansion of early childhood support throughout the country! |
A highlight from my personal life this last month was a spring break trip to NYC with my three grandchildren. We watched Harry Potter on Broadway and ate delicious NYC classics like pizza, hot dogs, wings, and bagels. I was even able to take them by my old stomping grounds: Tudor City, Central Park, Harlem, and Brooklyn!
 On the left, a joyful moment Dr.Roy and her three grandchildren, embracing near a brick wall. On the right, Dr.Roy takes a selfie, wearing sunglasses and smiling against a black wall with white line art and a red heart.
Thank you for your courage and commitment to advocating for Colorado's children and families this past month. Let's continue to drive progress forward. I can't wait to celebrate our collective achievements with you next month!
With Gratitude,
 A family enjoys a sunny day, with a child being lifted up joyfully. Mountains and birds are in the background. Text reads "Raising Colorado Kids."
Raising Colorado Kids Updates
Announcing Raising Colorado Kids
We're excited to share a valuable new resource for Colorado families! The Colorado Department of Early Childhood has launched www.RaisingColoradoKids.com, a user-friendly platform that simplifies access to early childhood services and family resources.
This platform consolidates information from 5,500 web pages from 15 different sites into one accessible, easy-to-navigate resource for early childhood services in both English and Spanish.
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Families can now use this single, powerful hub to discover services they qualify for, check application statuses for programs like CCCAP and Colorado Universal Preschool, and seamlessly connect with additional resource finders like Colorado Shines and 2-1-1 Colorado.
Visit RaisingColoradoKids.com to learn more!
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Share Your Stories
 A child hugs an elderly woman in a wheelchair, with a smiling older man beside them. Text reads "Share Your Stories."
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.
Family enjoying a picnic on a red blanket in a park. Two adults and two children smile while unpacking a basket with snacks and a soccer ball. Text reads "CDEC Policy and Legislation."
CDEC Policy & Legislation
April Rule-Related Meetings/Hearings
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RAC County Subcommittee Meeting (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
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Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
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Topic(s):
- Members will review, discuss, and vote on support of the proposed emergency revisions to the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) Quality Standards rules, which seek to adjust implementation deadlines for consistency and allow child care providers additional time to comply with the new requirements.
- Members will receive updates regarding the work of the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) Rule Rewrite Committee and discuss key rulemaking proposals to implement new requirements for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Colorado House Bill 24-1223.
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Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting (ZOOM Link)\
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Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Topic(s): Members will review, discuss, and vote on a recommendation regarding the proposed emergency revisions to the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) Quality Standards rules, which seek to adjust implementation deadlines for consistency and allow child care providers additional time to comply with the new requirements.
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Public Rulemaking Hearing (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
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Emergency Rulemaking:
- The Executive Director will consider emergency adoption of the proposed revisions to the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) Quality Standards rules, which seek to adjust implementation deadlines for consistency and allow child care providers additional time to comply with the new requirements.
SUBMIT WRITTEN FEEDBACK
Please submit all rulemaking related questions, or written comments regarding the proposed rules 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.
Group of people outdoors smiling and laughing. Text reads "Community & Family Support."
Community & Family Support
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is recognized nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the month, we come together to raise awareness about how to work together to strengthen families. Here are some ways you can get involved and show your support:
Wear Blue on April 4th
On the first Friday in April, please join us by wearing your happiest and brightest blue to show your support for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Facebook Live Stream on April 16th Highlights the Five Protective Factors
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) will partner with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to host a Facebook Live Stream at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16th, to highlight the importance of the five protective factors. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the protective factors and how you can promote them to strengthen and support Colorado families.
Look for the Blue Pinwheels
Have you ever driven by a school, hospital, or local nonprofit organization, seen a big field of shiny blue pinwheels spinning in the springtime wind, and wondered what they were for? Many organizations put out their pinwheels each year to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Why a pinwheel? It is because pinwheels represent the bright, joyful childhoods that all children deserve.
Keeping Colorado families valued, healthy, and thriving doesn’t end in April. Check out more ways to stay up-to-date and collaborate on prevention work to strengthen families!
Colorado Thriving Families Framework
We are excited to introduce the newly updated Colorado Thriving Families Framework! This statewide initiative promotes thriving families by providing a shared vision, inspiring local collaboration, and guiding coordinated action in communities across the state.
Please share the Framework (also in Spanish) and this introductory video with your partners and community members. Visit the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families website to learn more about this ongoing initiative and other essential prevention efforts.
Alt text: "Colorful infographic illustrating Colorado's Thriving Families Framework. It highlights commitment to equity, diversity, and evidence-based practices. Inputs, activities, and outcomes form a cycle, leading to positive impact. Arrows and graphics emphasize community and family development for children and youth. The vision emphasizes valuing, health, and thriving for all families."
Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families
The Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families (the Partnership) collaborates across Colorado to create the conditions for strong families and communities where children are healthy, valued, and thriving. The Partnership includes state, county, and nonprofit professionals and caregivers. Please visit the website and learn more about how to get involved!
Colorado Strengthening Families Network
Illuminate Colorado coordinates the Colorado Strengthening Families Network, a quarterly online learning community for professionals across sectors who use proactive factors in their work. Meetings allow for meaningful connections between organizations and advocates and the opportunity to stay on top of new research and best practices related to the family-strengthening field. Consider joining an upcoming meeting!
Participate in Words of Encouragement and Attend CO4Kids Resource Fair at Denver Zoo
CDEC is participating in a special activity to raise awareness called "Words of Encouragement."
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has challenged us to collect as many words of encouragement as possible to inspire and support parents, guardians, and caregivers across Colorado as they tackle all the rewards and challenges of parenting. This friendly competition between agencies seeks to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it is the perfect opportunity to show your community spirit and share your commitment to helping Colorado families thrive! Your messages will be shared with Colorado families throughout the year, and the winning agency will be honored at the CO4Kids Family Resource Fair at the Denver Zoo on April 27th.
Children wearing animal face paint smile excitedly above text promoting the CO4Kids Resource Fair on April 27 at Denver Zoo, emphasizing family fun.
Community partners from all over the state will join us for a fun-filled, interactive day to connect with families and share information about available resources. Last year, nearly 400 families attended the event and had the opportunity to connect with 28 organizations. While there are a limited number of free tickets available for families, tickets are available for $1 each with an EBT card, and the event is open to anyone visiting the zoo during these hours. We hope to see you there!
A blue pinwheel on a dark blue background accompanies the bold yellow text "Words of Encouragement." Below, light blue text encourages supporting Colorado families to prevent child abuse. Tone: supportive, hopeful.
How to participate:
From now until April 21, 2025, please use this link to share short messages like "Every parent needs support" which highlight strengths-based advice, encouragement, or best practices for parents, guardians, and caregivers. Don't forget to list the Colorado Department of Early Childhood as the agency you are submitting your answer for to help us win the challenge!
Thank you for joining us in this fun activity and helping us raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Elevate your Voice for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health in Colorado
Health Management Associates (HMA), a national research and consulting firm with an office in Colorado, is partnering with Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to conduct a statewide needs assessment to inform the BHA’s strategic planning for behavioral health services and programs. The needs assessment will examine disparities in accessing behavioral health services and programs, as well as related behavioral health outcomes. Your insights and experiences are critical to the BHA’s mission of co-creating a people-first behavioral health system that meets the needs of all people in Colorado.
Sign up to participate on Wednesday, April 9th from 2:00-3:30pm MST.
Ute Day at the Capitol
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, tribal and state leadership will come together to honor the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of the Nuuchiu people to the State of Colorado. The event, Ute Day at the Capitol, will take place at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver (200 E. Colfax Ave).
Alt text: "Flyer for Ute Day at the Colorado Capitol on April 3, 2025. Details include breakfast, speaking program, and specialty tours. Logos and image of the Capitol building included. Event celebrates Ute culture, open to tribal members and public."
The Speaking Program will commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 9:45 a.m. The agenda for the day is as follows:
- Invocation
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Drum Group Performance: Yellow Jacket
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Color Guard: Ute Mountain Ute Veterans
- Ute Youth Council & Royalty Introductions
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Remarks from:
- Governor Jared Polis
- Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera
- Ute Tribal Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker
This event offers an important opportunity to recognize the enduring cultural legacy and the ongoing contributions of the Ute people to Colorado’s history and development. We invite you to join us in this meaningful celebration.
For more information please visit: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/event/ute-day-at-the-capitol-2025/
Align Your Goals with Your Values and Make Them Stick for Your Family
How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like almost half of Americans, you came up with at least one resolution (according to Columbia University) but only have a 25% chance of keeping it for more than 30 days. Changing your behaviors can be difficult, so how can you make a resolution last? Creating a specific goal that’s connected to your values is a good first step—what exactly do you want to change and why is it important? Next, you’ll want to turn it into a habit, which involves a cue, a routine, and a reward.
For example, if you want to get more exercise, you might decide to walk in the park with your kids at least three days every week. That connects with your values of health and family. A cue will remind you to do the behavior. That could be the sight of your kids getting off the school bus. The routine would be to drop their school supplies at the house and walk to the park. Your kids can help you decide on the reward!
For further information and resources, please visit the Financial Health Institute website.
A teacher high-fives a smiling girl in a red shirt at a classroom table. Two other children watch, and colorful crafts are scattered around. Text reads "Early Childhood Workforce."
Early Childhood Workforce
2025 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant Application Now Open
The Colorado Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant Application, due May 1, 2025.
The Colorado Department of Education was awarded $21 million through the CLSD Grant for 2024–2029, with 95% of funds going directly to districts and student-serving entities across the state. This grant presents an exciting opportunity to implement a four-year project supporting innovative literacy initiatives for students from birth through twelfth grade, fostering collaboration among schools, districts, libraries, community organizations, and families to improve literacy outcomes across Colorado.
For birth through kindergarten entry, eligible entities include:
- A school district.
- A Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES).
- Local Coordinating Organization.
- Early Childhood Council.
- One or more early childhood education programs, which may include home-based literacy programs for preschool-aged children.
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- Serve low-income or otherwise disadvantaged children.
For questions, please contact lay_l@cde.state.co.us.
Honoring the Legacy of Colleen Rosa
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our dear colleague, Colleen Rosa, passed away on March 17, 2025.
Colleen dedicated herself to her work in the early childhood system for 30 years. For the past 12 of those years, she shared her talents with our family at the CDEC and, previously, the Office of Early Childhood within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).
Colleen was a Licensing Team Supervisor on the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA) team. She was an extremely supportive supervisor who was essential to the success of mobile and outdoor School Age Child Care programs, as well as other programs that are vital to the early childhood system in the Boulder community and beyond.
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The Rosa family is close-knit and genuine, and they welcome everyone as one of their own.
Colleen was a warm, compassionate, and thoughtful person who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Colleen's many contributions to children and families in Colorado will be remembered and celebrated. Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to Colleen’s family and friends during this difficult time. More details about Colleen's remarkable life and lasting legacy can be found here.
Inside CDEC: Highlights & Happenings
ColoradoForALL Corner: Women's History Month Celebration
March marked Women's History Month, a time to honor and reflect on the incredible contributions women have made throughout Colorado’s history. As part of the celebration, we gathered for the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Gala, held on Friday, March 21, 2025. The event brought together influential women from across the state to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
 Dr. Lisa Roy and Barbara Grogan smiling warmly at a gathering. One has gray hair and glasses, the other curly hair.
Barbara Grogan, Elsa Holguín, Christine Benero, and Gloria Higgins were honored with this prestigious award for their pivotal roles as Colorado leaders, which include advocating for the creation of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The dedication of these phenomenal women has had a profound impact on the state's education system.
The evening began with a cocktail hour and a portrait gallery viewing, allowing guests to mingle and reflect on the accomplishments of women throughout history. As the celebration continued, we were reminded of the incredible legacies left by women such as Frances Wisebart Jacobs, known as the "Mother of Charities" for establishing Denver’s first free kindergarten in 1885. Dr. Arlene Vigil Kramer, the first Latina in Colorado to earn a Doctor of Education degree, was honored for her advocacy of bilingual education for Hispanic children. Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado’s first Black female doctor, was celebrated for delivering nearly 7,000 babies from her home practice in Five Points, despite facing significant racial barriers in her time.
A collage of three images: two women smiling for a selfie; two women posing with smiles at a formal event; a woman on a large screen during a presentation.
These remarkable women, along with countless others, have shaped Colorado’s rich history. We encourage everyone to take a moment to learn more about their stories and continue supporting the legacies of women today, including through the patronage of local, women-owned businesses.
Let’s continue to celebrate and honor the powerful impact women have had on our state and beyond!
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