UPDATE: We’ve added new information regarding SNAP Benefits. All updates appear in italics below.
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.
 Newsletter banner for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood with the date NOVEMBER 2025. Below the text are three photos: one of a group of six adults, one of a family of four smiling outdoors, and one of children coloring outdoors.
In This Issue:
 Co-directors of the National Institute for Early Education Research Ellen Frede and Steve Barnett, posing with Head Start Collaboration State Director Heather Craiglow and Colorado Department of Early Childhood Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy. Overlay text: A NOTE FROM CDEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
To My Early Childhood Family,
This past month, I’ve been reminded of the importance of leaning into family, friends, and community during difficult times. Many of us have felt the uncertainty of the federal government shutdown these last few weeks. Another feeling I’ve noticed, however, is gratitude as I’ve watched our communities show up for each other in the most inspiring and humbling ways. Whether it be through food drives, resource-sharing, or just simply checking in, these displays of kinship in our Colorado communities are reminders of the power of human connection and our ability to overcome the toughest challenges.
While there is plenty of work to be done this month, there is also so much to look forward to. We are joyously celebrating Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, along with World Children’s Day on November 20th. I’m humbled and honored by the support of Sena Harjo, CDEC's Tribal Liaison, and the Tribal Advisory Council and the excellent work they do with Native American and Indigenous communities in Colorado.
During October, we saw advancements that will strengthen our early childhood system for years to come. I attended the grand opening of Broomfield Palisade KinderCare: a new center that will serve up to 146 children, from infants to school age, in the Broomfield community. I also joined CDEC Head Start Collaboration State Director Heather Craiglow at the 2025 National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE) Roundtable Conference, where we connected with leaders from other states to exchange lessons and ideas on best practices for early childhood governance.
We also hosted 24 professionals from the State of California to learn more about the Department and our governance model. We have much to celebrate and share as we continue to support Colorado kids, families, and early childhood professionals!
I was incredibly proud to attend the Tom Clements Award Ceremony on October 22nd, hosted by Governor Jared Polis. Our very own CDEC Chief Product Officer, Sabina Andersson, received the Chief of Staff Operational Excellence Award! This recognition highlights Sabina's exceptional dedication to the Universal Preschool Family and Provider Portal, Raising Colorado Kids, and the development of a universal application process. Her leadership, talent, and passion have profoundly benefited our Department and Colorado’s entire early childhood system. It's wonderful to see her efforts celebrated on such a significant scale!
In my personal life, I’ve been spending time with friends and family. This month, I celebrated the life of a dear friend and colleague, Emily Bustos, with a great number of her early childhood “family” members. Emily was brilliant, strategic, and hard-working with a contagious smile and an unforgettable laugh. She will be missed.
As we begin this new month, I encourage you all to lean into community and our shared passion for supporting Colorado kids and families. I look forward to our next check-in, where I'll be excited to share all the new, positive progress we've made together.
With Gratitude,
FY 2026–27 Budget Proposal Leverages and Maximizes Funding for Early Childhood Services
As part of Governor Polis’ Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Proposal, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) submitted budget requests totaling $812.1 million, a $9.4 million increase from last year. In a challenging budget environment, this budget prioritizes protecting the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), meeting the growing needs of our Early Intervention program, and continuing the success of Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. It also includes steps to maximize federal reimbursements and make sure every dollar we spend supports children, families, and providers as efficiently as possible. Finally, we have preserved as much funding as possible for the communities we serve, while also addressing the state’s strained General Fund.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
CDEC is focusing on long-term sustainability for CCCAP by adjusting how federal Child Care and Development Funds are used. The proposal reinvests $175,000 in recruitment and retention, while reducing spending on other initiatives, thereby helping to preserve funding for child care services for low-income working families and supporting key workforce investments.
Early Intervention (EI)
To meet rising demand, the proposal adds $2.2 million to the Early Intervention program. This funding supports growing caseloads for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, ensuring stable services without compromising access.
Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)
CDEC requests a $14.3 million increase for Colorado Universal Preschool Program to ensure funding for the continued growth in enrollment, of which $10,499,858 will come from anticipated revenue from the Preschool Program Cash Fund. The proposal also supports improving coordination among local partners to make preschool access smoother and more efficient for families statewide.
Child Care Licensing Services
CDEC plans to bring some contracted licensing work in-house to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The change would save money while maintaining high-quality service for providers across the state.
Maximizing Federal Reimbursements
The proposal realigns existing funds between home-visiting programs to increase federal reimbursement. This change won’t impact services and will help the state maximize the use of federal dollars for programs such as SafeCare.
Despite a challenging fiscal climate, these budget requests reflect CDEC’s continued commitment to investing in programs that support children’s healthy development, family well-being, and a strong early childhood workforce.
However, given the fiscal pressure on the state General Fund, proposals also had to be identified to reduce General Fund spending. Two of the Governor’s Statewide General Fund Relief Measures impact CDEC programs:
Discontinue Substance Use Disorder Treatment Pilot
This proposal would reduce General Fund spending by $500,000 in FY 2026-27 and ongoing by discontinuing the child care mobile pilot in the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Pilot line.
Reduce Child Maltreatment Prevention Funding
This proposal would reduce General Fund spending by $480,000 in FY 2026-27 and ongoing by reducing funding to the Child Maltreatment Prevention line, which impacts Family Resource Centers (FRCs).This reduction was proposed last year based on underspending, but not approved.
 A mother and father smiling outdoors while holding their young child. Overlay text: COMMUNITY & FAMILY SUPPORT.
Community & Family Support
SNAP BENEFITS UPDATE
Colorado is closely analyzing the results of the compliance report filed by the federal Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) on issuance of partial payments (7 CFR 271.7). We anticipate that states will be required to recalculate the eligible grant amount for each SNAP household before benefits can be issued, though we have not yet received guidance from FNS.
In circumstances where the federal government provides a full month of funding, we anticipated that the issuance of payments would take up to 10 days. However, as the compliance report indicates that FNS will be making partial payments, CDHS will need to implement certain system modifications to process the correct amounts. We are working closely with our vendor, Deloitte about implementation processes and timelines and our EBT processor, Fidelity Information Systems (FIS). CDHS will issue payments as rapidly as possible upon receipt of federal guidance.
 SNAP Benefits for November 2025 are on Hold
The federal government shutdown means the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not send states the money for November SNAP benefits. Recipients will not receive money on their EBT cards until this changes. This is a change impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed.
If you need more food resources during the government shutdown, we encourage you to reach out to your local food banks or community agencies in your area.
To find these resources in your area, please contact:
When the shutdown ends, we’ll know more about the future of SNAP benefits.
More up-to-date information can be found on the CDHS website: cdhs.colorado.gov/snap
2025 Federal Shutdown Impacts to Colorado Nutrition Programs
 El cierre del gobierno federal implica que el Departamento de Agricultura (USDA por sus siglas en inglés) no le enviará al estado de Colorado el dinero de los beneficios SNAP para noviembre. Dado esto, no podremos depositar dinero en su tarjeta EBT hasta que se resuelva ésta situación. Esto es un cambio que impacta a todos los beneficiarios de SNAP y no puede ser apelado.
Si durante el cierre del gobierno usted necesita más recursos alimenticios, le recomendamos que contacte a un banco de alimentos o a las agencias comunitarias en su área.
Para encontrar estos recursos cerca de usted por favor contacte:
Cuando el gobierno federal reabra le comunicaremos más sobre el futuro de sus beneficios SNAP.
Información más actualizada se encuentra en la página web del CDHS: cdhs.colorado.gov/snap
Impactos del Cierre Federal de 2025 en Los Programas de Nutrición de Colorado
ANNOUNCEMENT: New opportunity for CFP Family Child Care Home Sponsorship
The Colorado Food Program, located in the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, is pleased to announce that Colorado is offering a new home sponsorship for family day care home providers. The Colorado Food Cluster is an approved family day care home sponsoring organization that provides direct deliveries of prepared meals and snacks to family child care home providers. To learn more about their organization and services, visit their website or contact them at contactus@coloradofoodcluster.com. To learn more about all our sponsors, you can view this brochure in English, Spanish, or Arabic.
Offering the choice of an additional family child care home sponsoring organization expands access to nutritious meals and snacks for children in care and promotes greater support for family child care providers in Colorado.
The Colorado Food Program is a federally funded program that provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children and adults enrolled in care programs. Please contact the Colorado Food Program with any questions or comments at 303-692-2330.
Español
ANUNCIO: Nueva oportunidad para el patrocinio de hogares de cuidado infantil familiar del Programa de Alimentos de Colorado (CFP).
El Programa de Alimentos de Colorado, ubicado en el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado, se complace en anunciar que Colorado ofrece un nuevo patrocinio para proveedores de hogares de cuidado infantil familiar. Colorado Food Cluster es una organización de patrocinio de hogares de cuidado infantil familiar aprobada que proporciona la entrega directa de comidas preparadas y refrigerios a proveedores de hogares de cuidado infantil familiar. Para obtener más información acerca de su organización y servicios, visite el sitio web o envíe un correo electrónico a contactus@coloradofoodcluster.com. Para obtener más información acerca de todos nuestros patrocinadores, puede ver este folleto en inglés, español o árabe.
Ofrecer la posibilidad de una nueva organización de patrocinio de hogares de cuidado infantil familiar expande el acceso a alimentos nutritivos y refrigerios para niños en cuidado infantil y promueve un mayor apoyo a los proveedores de cuidado infantil familiar en Colorado.
El Programa de Alimentos de Colorado es un programa financiado con fondos federales que proporciona reembolsos para alimentos y refrigerios nutritivos servidos a niños y adultos elegibles inscritos en programas de cuidado. Si desea hacer preguntas o comentarios llame al Programa de Alimentos de Colorado al 303-692-2330.
Arabic
إعلان: فرصة جديدة لرعاية الأطفال في المنازل العائلية ضمن برنامج الغذاء في كولورادو
يسر برنامج الغذاء في كولورادو التابع لوزارة الصحة والبيئة في كولورادو أن يعلن عن إطلاق رعاية جديدة لمقدمي خدمات رعاية الأطفال في المنازل العائلية. تُعد مجموعة الغذاء في كولورادو منظمةً معتمدة لرعاية الأطفال في المنازل العائلية، حيث توفر توصيلات مباشرة للوجبات الرئيسية والوجبات الخفيفة الجاهزة إلى مقدمي خدمات رعاية الأطفال في المنازل العائلية. للتعرّف أكثر على هذه المنظمة وخدماتها، يمكنكم زيارة موقعهم الإلكتروني أو التواصل معهم عبر البريد الإلكتروني: contactus@coloradofoodcluster.com. وللتعرّف على جميع الجهات الراعية لدينا، يمكنكم الاطّلاع على هذا الكُتيّب المتوفر باللغات الإنجليزية أو الإسبانية أو العربية.
إن توفير خيار إضافي لمنظمة راعية لمنازل رعاية الأطفال العائلية يوسّع نطاق الحصول على وجبات رئيسية ووجبات خفيفة مغذية للأطفال تحت الرعاية، ويعزز الدعم المقدم لمقدمي خدمات رعاية الأطفال العائلية في ولاية كولورادو.
يُعد برنامج الغذاء في كولورادو برنامجاً ممولاً فدراليًا يقدّم تعويضات مالية عن الوجبات الرئيسية والوجبات الخفيفة المغذية المقدمة للأطفال والبالغين المؤهلين والمسجلين في برامج الرعاية. للاستفسارات أو لإبداء الملاحظات، يُرجى التواصل مع برنامج الغذاء في كولورادو على الرقم: 2330-692-303.
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Join the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Council!
Does a family member, friend or neighbor care for your child(ren)? If so you may want to join the FFN (family, friend and neighbor) Advisory Council! We are seeking a parent who uses unlicensed, informal child care for the Council.
The FFN Advisory Council was created to advise CDEC on policies and procedures as they relate to the FFN community. We meet monthly on the second Thursday from 6 to 8 pm via this zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85275997378 (Meeting ID: 852 7599 7378).
Please contact Teri Pinney at teri.pinney@state.co.us if you are interested or to learn more!
¿Algún familiar, amigo o vecino cuida a su(s) hijo(s)? Si es así, ¡quizás quieras unirte al Consejo Asesor de FFN (familiares, amigos y vecinos)! Estamos buscando un padre que utilice servicios de cuidado infantil informales y sin licencia para el Consejo.
El Consejo Asesor de FFN se creó para asesorar al CDEC sobre políticas y procedimientos relacionados con la comunidad FFN. Nos reunimos mensualmente el segundo Jueves de 6 a 8 p.m. a través de este enlace de zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85275997378 (ID de reunión: 852 7599 7378).
¡Comuníquese con Teri Pinney a teri.pinney@state.co.us si está interesado o desea obtener más información!
State health department encourages parents, providers, and caregivers to test children for lead to prevent lead poisoning
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is raising awareness about how to reduce childhood exposure to lead and prevent serious health effects. A simple blood test is a critical first step in determining whether your child is at risk.
The program educates families, healthcare providers, and communities about the importance of blood lead testing. Program staff also review blood test results, and when a child’s test result is above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, they provide free in-home environmental investigations to help families identify the possible source of lead exposure.
Read the full press release In English and Español
CDPHE to send reminder texts and emails to families about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
Messages urge families to provide lasting protection against cancer by getting their children vaccinated
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will send text messages and email notifications to families of nearly 317,000 children ages 11 to 18 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System show their child/children may be overdue for a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
El Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado enviará mensajes de texto y notificaciones por correo electrónico a los padres y tutores de casi 317.000 niños de 11 a 18 años de edad cuyos registros en el Sistema de Información sobre Inmunización de Colorado muestran que su hijo/hijos puedan estar atrasados en la aplicación de la vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH).
Read the full press release in English and Español
 Children wearing blue graduation caps and gowns stand in a line. Overlay text: COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL UPDATES.
Colorado Universal Preschool
Family Enrollment for 2026-2027 starts December 9, 2025
 A three-part image showing diverse young children in a preschool setting: drawing, playing in a kitchen set, and sitting for story time. Text: FAMILY ENROLLMENT OPENS IN DECEMBER!
Family enrollment for the next 2026-27 Colorado Universal Preschool school year opens on December 9th, 2025, see the full timeline here! Family enrollment in the current 2025-26 Colorado Universal Preschool school year continues.
All children in their year before kindergarten can register for at least 15 hours of funding per week towards a high-quality preschool of their choice. Over 2,000 providers have applied to participate in the program this school year.
The timeline outlines the key milestones for the 2026-2027 Colorado Universal Preschool program year, focusing on the family registration, pre-registration, and matching rounds. It also details processes for non-IEP direct enrollment and IEP direct placement.
For more information, please visit the Universal Preschool Family Timeline 26-27
 A table of key dates for Colorado Universal Preschool next to an image of children drawing on a large piece of paper. Text: KEY DATES FOR COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL followed by a list of dates in 2025 and 2026.
UPK Resources:
 An aerial view of Breckinridge, CO surrounded by evergreen forests under a blue sky. Overlay text: CDEC POLICY & LEGISLATION.
CDEC Policy & Legislation
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2026 Departmental Regulatory Agenda, developed in accordance with sections 2-7-202(6), 2-7-203(4), and 24-4-103.3(4), C.R.S. This regulatory agenda outlines the Department’s anticipated rulemaking priorities for the coming year (2026), and reflects our continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful public engagement.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the many advisory and advocacy bodies, local partners, and public members who contributed thoughtful feedback throughout the development of the regulatory agenda. Your participation and partnership helps ensure that Colorado’s early childhood rules and policies are responsive to the needs of families, providers, and communities across the state. Thank you!
Upcoming Public Rulemaking Meetings
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) will convene three public meetings in November with our rulemaking advisory bodies, and the Executive Director to continue collaborative discussions on early childhood rulemaking and policy priorities. While no new rules will be promulgated this month, these meetings will focus on review, discussion, and recommendations in preparation for upcoming formal actions.
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RAC County Subcommittee Meeting (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
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Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
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Topic(s):
- Presentation, discussion, and vote on the Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration’s (DELLA) proposed revisions to the Rules Regulating Child Care Centers to establish a new Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Program (ONB) license type, implementing Colorado Senate Bill 24-078; amend provisions for Small Child Care Centers to allow the care of infants and toddlers; and include a technical cleanup to improve clarity and consistency throughout the rules.
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Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting (ZOOM Link
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Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Topic(s):
- Presentation, discussion, and vote on DELLA’s proposed revisions to the Rules Regulating Child Care Centers to establish a new ONB license type, amend Small Child Care Centers to allow care of infants and toddlers, and provide a general cleanup.
- Presentation and discussion on the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Proposal, CDEC 2026 Legislative Priorities, and CDEC 2026 Departmental Regulatory Agenda.
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Public Rulemaking Hearing (ZOOM Link)
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Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
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Rulemaking Discussion Hearing:
- Presentation and public testimony on DELLA’s proposed revisions to the Rules Regulating Child Care Centers to establish a new ONB license type, amend Small Child Care Centers to allow care of infants and toddlers, and provide a general cleanup.These rules will be considered for permanent adoption during the next Public Rulemaking Hearing on December 18, 2025.
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 young child sitting in a chair, looking at a nurse who is holding a light-up toy. Overlay text: EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE.
Early Childhood Workforce
Do You Care For Children Age 5 and Under Who are Not Your Own?
You could get $1,200 back in your Colorado state tax refund with the new Care Worker Tax Credit. This tax credit recognizes your essential role providing care and education for Colorado’s youngest learners and supports your financial stability. You may qualify if you provided at least 720 hours of child care in 2025 to children age 5 or younger (not your own) as:
- A family, friend, or neighbor (FFN) caregiver (for example, an unlicensed/license-exempt home caregiver, a grandparent, family member or neighbor watching children, a drop-in child care provider, or a nanny) or
- An employee or operator of a licensed child care program.
If you're a parent of a young child, share this information with your child's caregiver!
Promote Through TEACH Colorado
 A bright banner showing two smiling young children. Text: Colorado's ECE recruitment made simple. A button reads: Free tools and resources. Logo/website: TEACHCOLORADO.ORG.
Licensed child care providers: promote your website / jobs page to more than 9,000 aspiring early childhood teachers by adding your information to TEACH Colorado's map!
Learn more about promoting through TEACH.
New Resource: Licensing Provider Hub Technical Help Desk
The Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA) is pleased to introduce the Licensing Provider Hub Technical Help Desk! This new resource offers technical assistance to individuals using the Licensing Provider Hub for the following:
- How to use a licensing or QRIS login to access the Licensing Provider Hub.
- How licensed individuals or applicants register in the Licensing Provider Hub.
- Technical questions or challenges with online licensing forms within the Licensing Provider Hub, including applications, change request forms, renewals, child abuse and neglect (Trails) background inquiry forms, injury forms, and stringency appeals and hardship waiver forms.
The new licensing help desk will launch on November 17, 2025. Information on accessing the new licensing help desk will be available to individuals who submit applications through the Licensing Provider Hub.
This new licensing help desk is designed to support online access to the Licensing Provider Hub and will not replace the existing licensing support services.
Here are some additional contact information and resources:
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Colorado Shines Help Desk
If you have general questions about licensing processes and information, please contact us at:
Division of Early Learning Licensing & Administration
Health Coverage for Early Childhood Professionals Webinar
Early Childhood Workforce Members: Please join us for a webinar and Q&A session, Health Coverage for Early Childhood Professionals, on November 12, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.
You'll learn about health insurance options, financial help, and enrollment assistance.
Become a Peer Mentor or a Peer Mentor Trainer
Do you think you could be an excellent facilitator of Peer Mentor Training? Are you a coach, trainer, director, or teacher interested in being trained to facilitate a program that could help your community build supports for professionals? We have an opportunity for you!
Learn more about Becoming a Peer Mentor/Peer Mentor Trainer
CCCAP Completes Year Two of Project: New Provider Reimbursement Rates Effective October 1
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) team has successfully completed the second year of its three-year project to implement a new alternative methodology for determining child care provider reimbursement rates.
Thanks to dedicated collaboration with our county partners over the past few months, we have implemented updated rates for approximately 5,500 licensed providers statewide, effective October 1, 2025.
This project is a shift from traditional provider reimbursement models. Instead of relying on a market rate survey-based approach, the new, state-established alternative methodology calculates rates that better reflect the actual cost of delivering high-quality child care. This shift is essential for improving providers' financial stability and enhancing access to care for our Colorado communities. Please see the link below for more information on the Alternative Rate Methodology.
For more information about this exciting project, please see the following resources:
 A large group of adults and children smiling and holding a banner, at the Kindercare Broomfield Palisade grand opening and ribbon cutting. Text overlay: INSIDE CDEC: HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS.
Inside CDEC: Highlights & Happenings
CDEC's Sabina Andersson Wins Chief of Staff Operational Excellence Award!
We're thrilled to announce that Sabina Andersson, CDEC Chief Product Officer, has been honored with the prestigious Chief of Staff Operational Excellence Award! Governor Jared Polis recognized the winners of the Tom Clements Award, celebrating state employees who demonstrate extraordinary service to Coloradans, and Sabina stood out among them.
 This award celebrates individuals and teams who significantly elevate the standard of excellence in government and have a lasting impact on their organization. Sabina's exceptional dedication to the Universal Preschool Family and Provider Portal and Raising Colorado Kids (RCK) truly embodies this spirit, supporting Colorado families and delivering results that matter.
Join us in extending a huge congratulations to Sabina on this well-deserved recognition of her hard work and impact!
Read the full press release and list of other winners.
Colorado Invests $5 Million Grant to Transform Early Childhood Education System
Department of Early Childhood Releases Final Report on PDG B-5 Initiative Impact
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) released its final report on the impact of the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) Initiative. The $4,831,588 federal award, which ran from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2025, supported innovations that address longstanding gaps in early childhood education and care. Colorado’s PDG B-5 Initiative prioritized equitable access to early childhood services, workforce development, system coordination, family engagement, and emerging challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full press release.
Celebrating Sena Harjo: A Champion for Native American and Indigenous Communities
This Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, we joyously celebrate Dr. Sena Harjo, CDEC’s Tribal Liaison and Community Engagement Lead, whose exemplary dedication is a true inspiration!
Sena recently earned her Doctorate of Education (PhD) from the University of Colorado Denver, successfully defending a dissertation in June 2025 that focused on the critical educational experiences of American Indian and Alaska Native students. Her vital research explores educational harm and colonization, powerfully demonstrating the necessity of culturally responsive educational environments.
 As our Tribal Liaison, Sena is a passionate public servant who leverages her lived experience to advocate for the most marginalized. She has built strong relationships with the Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes and urban Indian communities, raising awareness of CDEC resources like Universal Preschool and home visitation programs.
Sena’s profound understanding of tribal engagement allows CDEC to design policies and services in true collaboration with those most impacted. Her work ensures that as we honor our Tribal Advisory Council this month, we also uphold the spirit of partnership and support for all Colorado kids. Dr. Sena Harjo embodies the helping professionals, tirelessly educating others and setting an incredible example of public service!
Collaboration is key to a better early childhood system!
CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy and Head Start Collaboration State Director Heather Craiglow recently connected with state leaders at the 2025 National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE) Roundtable Conference.
They discussed best practices for early childhood governance, and Dr. Roy presented on Suspensions and Expulsions and Early Childhood Mental Health supports.
These events foster idea exchanges and bring us closer to ensuring every child and family has the support they deserve!
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Kindercare Broomfield Palisade Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
 A collage of six different families posing in front of a fall-themed backdrop, many with young children and some in Halloween costumes.
We're thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Broomfield Palisade KinderCare! CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy was honored to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking this exciting addition to Colorado's early learning landscape.
This new center is licensed to serve up to 146 children, from infants to school age, in the Broomfield community.
We're especially excited that the center is registered and preparing to offer Colorado's Universal Preschool Program, which will expand access to early learning opportunities!
We look forward to the resounding positive impacts this center will create for children and families.
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