The federal government is currently in a shutdown. At this time, there are no immediate impacts to child and family programs in Colorado. Families should continue to access care and services as usual.
We are monitoring the situation closely with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and federal partners and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
 A family of four walks through an autumn park. The parents, on either side, are holding a tree branch that their two young children are holding in the middle. The leaves on the trees are red, orange, and yellow. A header reads: "Monthly NEWSLETTER" and "Colorado Department of Early Childhood," with "OCTOBER 2025" in the corner.
In This Issue:
 Dr. Lisa Roy, CDEC Executive Director, smiling, and holding a bouquet of flowers. A dark blue box with the text "A NOTE FROM THE CDEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" is in the foreground.
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
Dear Early Childhood Champions,
Happy Fall! As the leaves and temperatures change, so do our youngest learners as they progress in their developmental journeys. I’m as honored as ever to lead the CDEC and collaborate with our extraordinary community to support children in these crucial early years of their lives.
This month, we continue to celebrate diversity in Colorado as we acknowledge Italian American and Filipino American Heritage Months! I’m also thrilled to celebrate Head Start Awareness Month, a program dear to my heart.
I was a Head Start parent myself, and I’m eternally grateful for how the program supported me as a young parent leader and prepared my children with school readiness skills, like sharing and taking turns, etc. Beyond my own positive experience, it is proven that Head Start truly works. Participation in these programs actually improves the likelihood of educational success, including a 2.7% increase in high school completion rates, an 8.5% increase in college enrollment, and a 39% increase in college completion. Thank you to all the Head Start administrators, educators, and families for the work you do!
This Department and I have been busy this past month. I attended the Broomfield Rotary’s Imagination Library Kick-Off event, where we celebrated the program’s impact, including a recently released study that proves Imagination Library prepares children for educational success. I also participated in powerful conversations as a panelist at the Colorado Black Round Table’s "Education of Black Students in the Denver Metro Area" event!
We also highlighted Colorado's innovative work and the impact of home visiting on families during a visit with Tom Engles, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Region 8 HRSA team, where we shared about Colorado's Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) programs. Plus, we enjoyed a productive visit with Governor Jared Polis during an Early Childhood Leadership Commission meeting at the beginning of the month!
In my personal life, I was honored to receive the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award at a Ceremony with my fiancé, Bruce, my children James, Amanda, and Jason, my granddaughters Talia and Rae, and longtime friends and colleagues.
I look forward to checking in with you in November to celebrate another month of progress. As always, thank you for your dedication, and I’ll see you soon!
With Gratitude,
 A cropped photo of a family holding hands while walking outside. The focus is on the backs of two young children, a boy and a girl and the hands of their parents. A dark blue box with the text "CDEC POLICY & LEGISLATION" is in the foreground.
CDEC Policy & Legislation
Upcoming Rulemaking Meetings
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RAC County Subcommittee Meeting (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
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Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
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Topic(s):
- The RAC County Subcommittee will conduct its annual board training in accordance with section 24-3.7-102, C.R.S.
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Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting CANCELLED
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Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- The RAC will reconvene on November 13, 2025.
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Public Rulemaking Hearing (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
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Permanent Rulemaking:
- Adoption Hearing on the second phase of the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program’s rules to implement Colorado House Bill 24-1223
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.
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Early Childhood Workforce
Get Ready for the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit
The Early Childhood Educator refundable income tax credit is available for tax year 2025. To qualify for the refundable income tax benefit, early childhood professionals must have all three of the following in 2025:
- An active Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) at any point in the tax year; and
- Be employed for at least six months by a licensed child care center or family child care home in the income tax year; and
- An individual adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $75,000 or joint adjusted gross income of less than or equal to $150,000.
The deadline for submitting an ECPC application for the 2025 tax credit is December 1, 2025.
ESPAÑOL: …Prepárese para el Crédito Tributario sobre la Renta para Educadores de la Primera Infancia
El crédito fiscal sobre la renta reembolsable para educadores de la primera infancia está disponible para el año fiscal 2025. Para calificar para el beneficio del impuesto sobre la renta reembolsable, los profesionales de la primera infancia deben tener los tres siguientes en 2025:
- Una Credencial profesional para la primera infancia (ECPC) activa en cualquier momento del año fiscal; y
- Estar empleado durante al menos seis meses en un centro de cuidado infantil autorizado o en un hogar de cuidado infantil familiar hogar el año fiscal; y
- Un ingreso bruto ajustado individual de menos o igual a $75,000 o un ingreso bruto ajustado conjunto de menos o igual a $150,000.
La fecha límite para presentar una solicitud ECPC para el crédito fiscal de 2025 es el 1 de diciembre de 2025.
Complete the Care Worker Tax Credit Attestation
New for the 2025 tax year, qualifying child care workers and early childhood professionals will be eligible for the Care Worker Tax Credit, a refundable $1,200 Colorado state income tax credit.
You may qualify if you:
- Provided more than 720 hours of child care in 2025 to children aged 5 or younger; and
- Worked at a licensed child care center or family child care home or served as a family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregiver; and
- Had an adjusted gross income of:
- $75,000 or less (single)
- $100,000 or less (joint)
To qualify, you must complete the Care Worker Tax Credit Attestation in PDIS.
This tax credit is separate from the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit, which has been available since 2023. See the article below for more about that credit.
Learn more about the Care Worker Tax Credit.
ESPAÑOL: …Complete la Declaración de Crédito Fiscal para Trabajadores de Cuidado
Como novedad para el año fiscal 2025, los trabajadores de cuidado infantil y los profesionales de la primera infancia que califiquen serán elegibles para el Crédito Fiscal para Trabajadores de Cuidado, un crédito fiscal sobre la renta estatal de Colorado reembolsable de $1,200.
Usted puede calificar si:
- Proporcionó más de 720 horas de cuidado infantil en 2025 a niños de 5 años o menos; y
- de cuidado infantil autorizado o en un hogar de cuidado infantil familiar o se desempeñó como cuidador familiar, amigo o vecino (FFN); y
- Tuvo un ingreso bruto ajustado de:
- $75,000 o menos (soltero)
- $100,000 o menos (conjunto)
Para calificar, debe completar la Declaración de Crédito Fiscal para Trabajadores de Cuidado en PDIS.
Este crédito fiscal es independiente del Crédito Fiscal sobre el Ingreso para Educadores de la Primera Infancia, que está disponible desde 2023. Consulte el artículo a continuación para obtener más información sobre este crédito.
Obtenga más información sobre el Crédito Fiscal para Trabajadores de Cuidado.
A Valuable Partnership: EI Colorado and Head Start
Early Intervention Colorado (EI Colorado), which supports children from birth to age three with delays or disabilities, values the connection with Early Head Start and Head Start programs around the state.
Early Head Start and home visitation programs place a high value on assessment and screening, including annual vision and hearing screenings. As a result, when children from these programs are referred to Early Intervention, valuable information is included in the referral that supports the EI eligibility evaluation.
In addition, EI Colorado knows that families referred from Early Head Start have a supportive system in place, whether or not the child qualifies for EI Colorado. When a child enrolled in Early Head Start is not eligible for EI Colorado, the parent is already supported by a team, including an education and health manager, who supports child development with individualized programming.
As a valued referral partner, Early Head Start/Head Start made 276 referrals to EI Colorado in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Another connection between EI Colorado and Head Start is the transition of three-year-olds from Early Intervention into a Head Start program. Families with children transitioning out of EI Colorado receive a transition conference. That transition conference can include information not just on potential preschool special education services, but also the general education program where the child will attend. For many children, this is the local Head Start program. This creates more than just a warm handoff for the child and family. This allows the Head Start program to connect with the family about previous program services and supports early enough to have thoughtful planning time to prepare for the child’s success and make meaningful accommodations as needed.
EI Colorado joins the community in the October celebration of Head Start Awareness Month.
Investing in Early Childhood Mental Health Workforce
We're thrilled to announce CDEC’s Early Childhood Mental Health Unit will be able to provide continued investments in the early childhood mental health workforce through a partnership with the CDEC Workforce Division. This fall, they will offer a variety of workforce recruitment and retention incentives to professionals supporting early childhood mental health consultation, Incredible Years, and Child First.
Look out for more information in October!
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New: Direct Support for Child Care Facility Projects
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), in partnership with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), is now offering direct support sessions to help communities and project leaders move child care facility projects forward.
These flexible, 30-minute technical assistance sessions are designed for projects that are facing time-sensitive milestones or need targeted expert guidance to help support a singular or broad child care facility development project.
Support may include:
- Navigating regulations
- Facility planning
- Project financing strategies
- Connections to tools, insights, and resources
If your project is eligible, you’ll be matched with a TA expert and receive a shared documentation file with notes, resources, and next steps.
Find out more!
Questions? Contact Erin McNab (erin.mcnab@state.co.us)
Don't Miss Out! Colorado Waives College Application Fees!
Are you passionate about supporting our youngest learners? Governor Jared Polis has just announced a fantastic opportunity to start or advance your career in early childhood education. This year’s Colorado Free Application Days are a chance to apply to higher education programs without paying a single application fee!
From Tuesday, October 7, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with many private institutions, will be waiving their application fees. This is the perfect time to apply for an Early Childhood Education Higher Ed Program and take the next step in your professional journey.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to support those dedicated to our youngest learners. We are leading new initiatives to increase pay and benefits and strengthen credentialing and degree pathways for early childhood educators.
Learn more about how we support our educators by visiting our pathways page: https://bit.ly/3xFWlkZ
To see Governor Polis's announcement, watch the video: https://bit.ly/4mDa7Id
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Inside CDEC: Highlights & Happenings
In the Press:
Investing in Early Literacy Boosts Kindergarten Readiness, an Imagination Library Celebration
A new study confirms that the Imagination Library of Colorado is making a measurable impact on early literacy skills, helping children arrive at school better prepared to read and succeed. The study, a collaboration between the Imagination Library, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), and the University of Denver Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab, found that children enrolled in the program are 16-24% less likely to score “well below benchmark” on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment.
 A banner image with a dark blue background on the right and a row of colorful children's book spines on the left. The spines are partially visible and include titles like "Northern Alphabet," "BLANKIE," and "COLORS." On the blue background, white text reads "CHAMPIONING EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY" above the logo for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Colorado. The logo shows a train steaming out of a book.
This important work was recently celebrated by CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy, who delivered a keynote address at the Broomfield Rotary Imagination Library School Year Kickoff event. Since its launch in November 2021, the Imagination Library of Colorado has mailed over 2.5 million books to children ages 0-5 across the state. This milestone is a testament to the program's incredible impact on early literacy and the power of providing children with one free book each month.
This success is a result of strong collaboration among state and local partners, including public school principals, childcare directors, teachers, librarians, and community leaders.
Ready to get involved? Learn how you can participate in the Imagination Library today by visiting https://bit.ly/3wGhnPi.
Colorado Ranks #1 in Resources Available to Families with Young Children
New Prenatal-to-3 Policy Roadmap Shows Colorado Leading the Nation for Impactful Early Childhood Policies
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center's 2025 State Policy Roadmap shows Colorado leading the country in early-childhood resource availability for working parents. The Center’s interactive “Policy Impact Calculator” shows that a working parent with two young children has $56,224 in available resources in Colorado, surpassing the state ranked second by $5,155 in total available resources. The new roadmap also highlights Colorado as one of only ten states nationwide to have implemented all four of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s “Effective Roadmap Policies,” demonstrating how the state’s policies collaboratively achieve significant and unparalleled outcomes for families and young children.
Federal Appeals Court Affirms Legality of Universal Preschool’s Nondiscrimination Requirement
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal district court’s decision denying a permanent injunction in St. Mary’s Catholic Parish v. Roy.
CDEC Joins Panel on Black Student Education in Denver
CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy recently participated in a powerful and authentic discussion at the Colorado Black Round Table's "Education of Black Students in the Denver Metro Area" event.
The conversation highlighted the interconnectedness of the Black experience, brilliance, and struggles across every stage of life, with a specific focus on key takeaways for advancing early childhood education:
- Inclusive education starts early: The foundation for an inclusive system is built with our youngest learners—infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- Data drives equity: To support decisions that benefit all children, especially Black children, our systems need to be informed by data.
- Black educators matter: The presence of Black teachers and leaders in schools is crucial and directly impacts student success.
CDEC thanks Dr. Roy and her fellow early childhood visionaries, Elsa Holguin, President and CEO, Denver Preschool Program, Eric Love, Early Education Director, Denver Public Schools, Priscilla Hopkins, Executive Director, Denver Public Schools - Early Education Dept., and Brenda Natt, Director, Gifted Development/Literacy Specialist, Hope Early Learning Center for their contributions to this vital conversation.
Honoring Emily Bustos
Denver’s Early Childhood Council (DECC) honors the life and legacy of former CEO, Emily Bustos. It is with profound sadness that the organization shares the news of her passing last week.
Bustos was a foundational member of the Council's staff, joining in 2008. She was instrumental in guiding the organization's significant growth and success, notably leading its transition from fiscal sponsorship to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2011. Her leadership and dedication were a forever part of the Council's story.
For the full tribute and to learn more about Emily Bustos's lasting impact on early childhood education, please visit the Denver's Early Childhood Council website.
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Women of Distinction Denver - Girl Scouts Award
We're thrilled to announce that in September, CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy was honored as a 2025 Girl Scouts Denver Woman of Distinction!
Dr. Roy was celebrated at a special commemorative ceremony alongside other remarkable women who were selected by a committee of previous honorees. These awards recognize professional and personal contributions to the community, and we can’t think of a more deserving recipient.
Dr. Roy now joins an inspiring network of more than 500 Women of Distinction alums, who all serve as incredible role models for our future female leaders. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Roy for this well-deserved honor!
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Community & Family Support
Ratings Administration Transition: A New Chapter with Spark Learning Lab Colorado
Our ratings administration has officially transitioned from our longstanding partner, Clayton Early Learning, to Shine Early Learning.
This move is a key part of Shine Early Learning’s mission to improve outcomes for children and families nationwide. By bringing on Clayton’s skilled team and their deep expertise in quality services, Shine will enhance its existing capabilities in technical assistance, quality support, and data-informed solutions.
About the Colorado Shines Quality Rating
A Colorado Shines rating is a symbol of quality that guarantees a program is licensed, in good standing, and meets basic health and safety standards. The system rates the quality of early learning programs on a scale of 1 to 5 based on how well they:
- Support children’s health and safety
- Ensure staff are well-trained and effective
- Provide a supportive learning environment
- Help parents become partners in their child’s learning
- Demonstrate good leadership and business practices
After receiving a rating, Colorado Shines provides ongoing support to help programs continue to improve their quality.
Clayton Early Learning will continue to operate its direct services, serving over 500 children from its Denver campus.
Learn more about this transition or reach out to COSindicators@sparkcolorado.net with any questions.
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Adapt to Impact
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood and the University of Colorado Denver encourage you to explore a new, free program, Adapt to Impact! Adapt to Impact helps licensed Colorado family childcare homes, centers, and preschools create more inclusive, accessible environments for young children with disabilities.
Adapt to Impact offers ongoing professional development, resources, and access to a loan library of adaptive equipment, toys, and materials at no cost. It helps programs offer learning environments and activities that support children with delays and disabilities.
Free program services include:
- A new Adapt to Impact website
- An expanded Loan Library with a new online catalogue and library system to borrow adaptive materials, toys, puzzles and resources
- New online, asynchronous Moodle courses available through PDIS in addition to the Introduction to Universal Design course
- Access to universal design kits of adaptive toys, materials and resources available to borrow through most ECCs
- An expansive collection of 2-10 minute video training resources to support the adaptive items in the library and kits
- Access to support from Center for Innovative Design and Engineering staff and faculty at the University of Colorado Denver.
Please help us in getting the word out to childcare providers in Colorado. Interested providers can complete the Adapt to Impact intake form: Adapt to Impact - Get Started!
If you have any questions, contact the project team at AdaptCIDE@ucdenver.edu.
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Your Stories
Honoring Our Head Start and Early Head Start Community
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October is Head Start and Early Head Start Appreciation Month, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing the incredible stories of the people who make this program so special? Beyond the data and program descriptions, the heart of Head Start lies in the real-life experiences of children, families, and staff. These stories offer a powerful glimpse into how Head Start’s comprehensive approach to early learning, health, and family well-being creates lasting change. From a child's first word to a parent's first job, these testimonials show us how Head Start is not just preparing children for school, but is building a foundation for a lifetime of success.
Watch the video from CDEC Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Roy, CDEC Head Start Collaboration Office Director, Heather Craiglow, and Colorado Head Start Association Executive Director, Heather Frenz
Kayla Miles
I attended a Head Start program as a child. My father was a single dad, and the school gave me somewhere to be and learn while he worked. When I became a mother, I enrolled my son in the same Head Start program. I started to volunteer when I could. I had actually just joined the policy council when I was able to get a job at the school. Once I started working, I was able to enroll and go back to school.
After about 3 years, I was able to graduate with my bachelor's degree. I was then able to move up to the lead teacher. I stayed teaching for about 4 years and moved up to become the Education Manager. I am not in my fifth year or this position, and I am making improvements each year. I feel like this program helped my family when I was young and again when I had young children.
Geri Baca
My name is Geri Baca; and this is my Head Start story:
My brother and I were the youngest of 8 children. We attended HS and, at the same time, my mom was taking classes to be the next HS teacher, which is how the program was structured at the time.
My mom went on to earn an AA in Early Childhood Education and taught children in the HS program for more than 25 years. As Head Teacher, she regularly tutored ECE students at our dining room table, helping them to get through their college courses.
I took after my mom and earned an AA in early childhood education, while working for Adams County Head Start for the first 5 years of my career in ECE.
I eventually opened a preschool program for the Archdiocese of Denver, taught preschool and mentored ECE students at the Community College of Denver in their lab school until it closed in 2014. And, along with a dear friend, founded ninaBees Nature Explorers ELC in West Highlands.
Kelly Pullen
When my son was diagnosed with severe apraxia of speech, we were lost as to what it meant and how best to help him. We are very grateful for the support from the Headstart program. Our caseworker was very kind and helpful and was able to set us up with a Speech Therapist specializing in apraxia.
We are so thankful for the kindness and financial support the program has offered us. Jonathan is now three years old, and we are all so proud of the progress he has made. While we still experience struggles due to this motor speech disorder, we now feel more supported and properly resourced. Thank you!
Karla Esparza Salgado
My son was diagnosed autistic levels 2 & 3 at 2 years old. Lucas never crawled and did not walk until 20 months of age. He was essentially non-verbal, not even saying mama or babbling. When my child and I went in for his evaluation to receive his IEP, he had a 10-word vocabulary and was still very behind developmentally.
Thanks to all the hard work of the ECE program, Adams County 12 Five-Star Schools, his lovely teachers at Riverdale Elementary, and his therapists Lucas is making strides each and every day. He is currently in a mixed-abilities classroom and is learning to connect socially and make friends. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey and to anyone in a similar situation please know you have support and progress is 100% achievable.
Ready to Learn More?
To find a center near you and learn how to apply, visit the Head Start Locator. You can also view a map of Colorado Head Start center types and total slots by county. For any questions, please call 1-866-763-6481.
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