In This Issue:
 Three panelist, William Browning, President and CEO of Clayton Early Learning, Christine Benero,President and CEO of Mile High United Way, and Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) with moderator, Dr.Lisa Roy, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Early Childhood, at the GlobalMindED Conference. A blue bar with the text "A NOTE FROM CDEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" is overlaid in the foreground.
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
To my Dear Community,
Today marks the third birthday of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped bring us to this moment. To the early childhood champions who helped pass the legislation to create the CDEC and Universal Preschool Program; to my dedicated and tireless staff and partners; to the early childhood workforce who uphold this system every day; and to the families and young children at the heart of it all, thank you. Together, we are making Colorado a better place for kids and families.
In three years, we’ve made progress that will shape generations. We enrolled more than two-thirds of Colorado's four-year-olds in Universal Preschool during its first year, nearly doubled the number of evaluations for developmental delays for infants and toddlers between 2021-23, grew Colorado’s child care capacity by 4,000 slots between 2023-24 (and counting), ranked fifth in the nation for average teacher salary, 3rd for preschool enrollment, top in the nation for increasing resources to families of young children, and so much more. This could not have been done without our partners and supporters. I hope that each of you feels immense pride in what you have done for Colorado kids and families.
 A split image. Left Image: Standing: Reggie Bicha (APHSA National Human Services President)
Sitting L to R: Amy Jacobs, (Commissioner, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning) Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy (Colorado Department of Early Childhood), and Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky (Early Childhood Education and Care Department)
Event: APHSA National Human Services Summit in Philadelphia PA at the Governance Systems to Support Comprehensive Early Childhood Programs Presentation
Right Image: Standing L to R: Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy (Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood), Steffanie Clothier (Director of Philanthropy and School Readiness at Gary Ventures), (Swati Adakar, Former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education), (Dr. Pamela Harris, President and CEO, Mile High Early Learning), and Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky (Early Childhood Education and Care Department). at the GlobalMindED Conference Garden Party
 A split image. Left image: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) CEO Michelle Kang, TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health Co-Director Dr. Dana Suskind, CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy, New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky, University of Colorado Denver Research Professor and National P-3 Center Founding Executive Director Dr. Kristie Kauerz, Mile High Early Learning President and CEO Dr. Pamela Harris, All Our Kin Co-Founder and CEO Jessica Sager, and Early Childhood Care and Family Engagement Services Consultant Portia Kennel at the GlobalMindED Conference Garden Party. Right image: L to R: Dr. Meera Mani, Former VP, Families and Communities, Packard Foundation, and Swati Adarkar, Former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
In the month leading up to this celebration, I’ve traveled our state, learning and sharing the intricacies of our early childhood system. I was honored to speak at the Triad Early Childhood Council Children’s Champion event at Red Rocks Community College and participated in an insightful panel with fellow early childhood leaders at the GlobalMindEd Conference in Denver. Additionally, I presented at both the APHSA and CCI Conferences, attended CDEC’s collaborative celebration of Head Start, which featured the Anna Jo Haynes legacy movie at RMPBS, and had impactful conversations at the CDEC Equity Forum. My engagements also included attending Mile High Early Learning’s Stone Soup and the Women of the YMCA Spring Luncheon events.
 Smiling selfie, from left to right: Dr Sena Harjo (Colorado Department of Early Childhood), Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy (Colorado Department of Early Childhood), and Colorado State Senator Iman Jodeh at the Health Equity Event.
In my personal life, I attended a former work colleague's wedding in Memphis and a cousin's 80th birthday in Phoenix. Finally, my fiancé will be here for the July 4th holiday! Needless to say, I am excited to spend some time with him in Colorado.
My role as the inaugural leader of the CDEC has been one of the greatest joys of my life and proudest moments of my career. I feel honored to celebrate this Department’s third birthday with you all. Thank you for joining us in this continued effort to elevate and expand the reach of this vital organization for Colorado kids and families!
With Gratitude and In Celebration,
Raising Colorado Kids
 A blue banner with "Programs and Resources for All Families: RAISING COLORADO KIDS PLATFORM Now LIVE!" and logos for Raising Colorado Kids and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. The right side features a cartoon illustration of a park with a playground, trees, and city skyline.
Discover how Raising Colorado Kids can help YOUR family!
With access to early education programs, healthcare services, and parenting resources, there’s something for everyone.
Start your journey to uncovering the programs and resources available at your fingertips!
Learn more at https://raisingcoloradokids.com/en/
 Two young girls, smiling and laughing, run through splashing water outdoors on a sunny day. The text "SHARE YOUR STORIES & THOUGHTS!" is overlaid on a red bar in the foreground.
Share Your Stories & Thoughts
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.
Unified Brand Stakeholder Survey
As we continue to grow and strengthen our identity, we’re launching a Unified Brand Stakeholder Survey. Your feedback is crucial to help us communicate clearly and effectively with the entire early childhood community—including families, professionals, partners, providers, and residents statewide.
Three images showing diverse families interacting. The first shows a Black father with two young children, the second a couple holding an infant, and the third an East Asian mother embracing a child.
 An adult with a red backpack and three children hiking up a wooded path. The text "CDEC POLICY & LEGISLATION" is overlaid on a blue bar in the foreground.
Policy & Legislation
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (Department) is pleased to announce the appointment of three (3) new members and the reappointment of two (2) current members, to the Rules Advisory Council (RAC).
The RAC serves as an advisory body to the Executive Director that reviews and provides recommendations on the rules and regulations that govern the programs, functions, and services overseen by the Department. The recommendations provided by the RAC are intended to promote the interest of all Colorado children, families, and early childhood professionals; centered on equitable distribution of resources and programming to ensure all children and families have access to the services and supports they need to thrive. With support from the Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC) soliciting RAC application submissions and developing a nomination list, the Executive Director has appointed a dynamic group of individuals to the RAC. The new and reappointed members will complement current membership, and further expand the diverse perspectives and invaluable expertise of the RAC, to support the Department’s rulemaking.
New and Reappointed RAC Members:
- Barbara Wacker, Morgan/Pueblo County Coordinator, Early Learning Ventures (Reappointment)
- Briana Anthony, Parent Representative
- Janey Barker, Director, Gilpin County Department of Human Services
- Olivia Hernandez, Non-Parental Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care Provider
- Vail Shoultz-McCole, ECE Faculty Instructor, Colorado Mesa University/CMU Tech (Reappointment)
These candidates were selected for their professional and lived experiences, which are essential in helping the Department draft rules that meet the needs of Colorado's children, families, and early childhood community and workforce. Their varied backgrounds and commitment to the Department’s mission will ensure that we continue to develop and implement effective policies, practices, and administrative rules. The new and reappointed Rules Advisory Council members will officially begin their four (4) year terms on July 1, 2025. For more information about the Rules Advisory Council (RAC), please visit https://cdec.colorado.gov/for-partners/rulemaking-rules-advisory-council.
UPCOMING RULEMAKING MEETINGS
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RAC County Subcommittee Meeting (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
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Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
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Topic(s):
- Proposed emergency rules to support fund stacking for children dually enrolled in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) and the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
- Presentation on the permanent rule revisions to update the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)/State Median Income (SMI) figures to determine eligibility for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
- Discussion on the Department’s federal monitoring activities, as it relates to county-administered programs and funding.
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Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m
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Topic(s):
- New RAC Member Introductions and Annual Board Member Training
- Presentation on the proposed emergency rules to support fund stacking for children dually enrolled in UPK and CCCAP.
- Presentation on the permanent rule revisions to update the FPG and SMI figures to determine eligibility for CCCAP.
- Finalization of the amendments to the RAC Bylaws.
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Public Rulemaking Hearing (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Emergency Rulemaking:
- The Executive Director will consider emergency adoption of the proposed emergency rules to support fund stacking for children dually enrolled in UPK and CCCAP.
Permanent Rulemaking:
- The Executive Director will consider permanent adoption of the rule revisions to update the FPG and SMI figures to determine eligibility for CCCAP.
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.
 A diverse group of young children are gathered around a colorful rug on the floor, looking at something together. The text "INSIDE CDEC: HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS" is overlaid on a red bar in the foreground.
Inside CDEC: Highlights & Happenings
 A gold and white graphic with the text "I AM LEGENDARY" and "TOP 25 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS." The Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce logo is in the top right, and "Join us on August 21st to celebrate!" is at the bottom.
Congratulations, Dr. Lisa Roy!
We're thrilled to celebrate Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), for being recognized by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business for 2025!
This incredible honor speaks volumes about Dr. Roy's unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound impact on our community, especially in advancing early childhood initiatives. Her commitment to empowering others and driving positive change truly makes her a force in Colorado business.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Roy on this outstanding achievement! We can't wait to see her celebrated at the CWCC gala on August 21st!
Read the full announcement and details.
CDEC Turns 3!
 Left: A celebratory graphic with "CDEC Turns 3" in blue and red text with confetti and stars. Right: Dr. Lisa Roy is wearing a black and white patterned top stands with arms outstretched in front of a large screen displaying "Happy 3rd Birthday CDEC!!"
We’re celebrating the third birthday of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which launched on July 1, 2022!
Over the past year, we’ve traveled across Colorado, from energetic Universal Preschool graduations and joyful home visits to many of the state’s high-quality child care programs, including family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care settings. We've met incredible families, providers, and community partners who remind us every day why this work matters.
To celebrate, we teamed up with a videographer to document the heart of our work: real providers, families, and community champions who are shaping Colorado’s early childhood landscape. Watch the video to see just how far we've come together and the amazing people driving change every day.
Here’s to continuing our mission: ensuring every Colorado child gets the best possible start in life.
CDEC Staff Shining Bright
Join us in celebrating Julio and Sena who have both officially completed their doctoral programs! We are incredibly proud of their immense dedication, hard work, and the remarkable achievement this represents. Congratulations, Dr. Julio Alas and Dr. Sena Harjo!
Julio Alas, the Professional Learning and Design Unit Manager within the Division of Early Childhood Workforce at CDEC, has recently completed his Doctor of Education (EdD). He successfully defended his doctoral research project exploring immigrant Latina mothers' perspectives on preschool quality. This research focused on understanding how Latine families living in rural Colorado define preschool quality and aimed to learn more about their awareness of and engagement with the Colorado Shines Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS).
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In the Press
Colorado’s Early Childhood System Shows Robust Growth, Data Reveals
KIDS COUNT Report Highlights Gains in Preschool, Child Care, Educator Pay, and More
The newly released 2025 KIDS COUNT in Colorado! The data book highlights significant progress in Colorado's early childhood system. The report, published by the Colorado Children's Campaign, reveals growth in areas such as preschool participation, licensed child care capacity, early intervention and evaluations, educator pay, and Head Start access, indicating positive trends in the well-being of Colorado's children.
Early Intervention (EI) Update
In response to a Request for Information, The Colorado Department of Early Childhood Early Intervention Program (EI) presented recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) on June 15. Since February, the Department conducted broad community engagement including 18 input sessions and a survey of providers and families. EI developed the recommendations for the JBC from that input.
As requested by the JBC, recommendations had to target savings of $1 million. CDEC recommended four strategies:
- EI Program Administrative Reductions
- Discontinue Subcontracted Provider No-Show Payment
- Discontinue Mileage and Travel Reimbursement for Subcontracted Providers
- Discontinue EI Provider Training Stipend
Implementing these four strategies is projected to save $953,826 in FY 2025-26 and $1,607,652 in FY 2026-27.
The Department is hosting seven input sessions beginning in July to discuss additional strategies. In December, CDEC will submit another RFI response analyzing these potential cost-containment strategies for FY 2026-27.
 Overhead view of adults and children sitting on picnic blankets on a grassy lawn. The text "COMMUNITY & FAMILY SUPPORT" is overlaid on a blue bar in the foreground.
Community & Family Support
Support Spotlight
Helping Your Child Thrive: Discover the HIPPY Program!
Are you looking for ways to give your preschooler a strong start in school and life? The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program is here to help! HIPPY is a proven home-visiting program that empowers parents of two- to five-year-old children to be their child's first teacher.
What is HIPPY?
HIPPY works by providing trained home visitors, who are often parents from your own community, with weekly one-on-one sessions right in your home. These visitors guide you through fun activities and special materials designed to boost your child's:
- Cognitive skills: How they think and learn.
- Literacy: Their early reading and writing abilities.
- Social-emotional development: Their feelings, relationships, and self-control.
- Physical development: Their gross and fine motor skills.
For five-year-olds, the program even extends into kindergarten, creating a strong link between home and school. Plus, monthly group meetings offer a chance for families to connect and socialize.
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Who Can Join?
HIPPY is generally open to all families with children between the ages of two and five who live in an area served by a local HIPPY program. There are no additional requirements!
How to Enroll:
Ready to give your child a head start? You can enroll through your local HIPPY affiliate program. While some programs may have specific enrollment periods, it's always best to contact your local provider directly. They can give you a list of any necessary documents and help you gather them.
Find a HIPPY Program Near You!
To find information about HIPPY programs in your area, visit the Parent Possible website: https://parentpossible.org/hippy/locations/
HIPPY is committed to supporting families and strengthening communities by helping parents play an active and powerful role in preparing their children for success.
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Newly released IECMH Memo from BHA, HCPF, and CDEC
Children 0-5 have clinical needs and while appropriate evidence-based treatments are available, successful treatment relies on effective assessment. BHA, in partnership with the Department of Health Care Policy (HCPF) and Financing and the Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) recently published a new memorandum recommending the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5™) and Colorado DC:0-5™ Crosswalk.
Use of the DC:0-5™ will ensure better assessment, developmentally appropriate diagnosis, and treatment strategies for Colorado's youngest. Help spread the word with behavioral health providers in your community. Learn more at: https://bha.colorado.gov/about/media-and-publications/memos
A smiling young child seated in a specialized chair, reaches out toward bubbles floating in the air. The text "EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE" is overlaid on a purple bar in the foreground.
Early Childhood Workforce
Colorado welcomes 2025-2026 Society for Research on Child Development (SRCD) Fellow AnnaMaria Bouillion, PhD
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The Colorado Department of Early Childhood welcomes recent graduate AnnaMaria Bouillion, PhD, for the 2025-2026 academic year. The purpose of the SRCD fellowship program is to provide researchers with immersive opportunities to learn about policy development, implementation, and evaluation, and to use their research skills in child development to inform public policy at the federal or state level. Please help us welcome AnnaMaria! |
Coming Soon! Child Care Facility Workshop Round 2
Applications will open soon for a second Child Care Facility Workshop cohort in 2025!
This cohort is designed to support project teams and partnerships in the planning stage of a child care facility to understand best practices, successful approaches to development, and engage with a network of peers to ensure the highest level of quality and sustainability possible.
Learn More about this program.
Watch the Informational Webinar for the last round
Inquiries can be sent to:
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