 Header graphic for the January 2026 Colorado Department of Early Childhood Monthly Newsletter featuring the CDEC logo and a collage of photos showing children playing, students in graduation caps, CDEC staff, and educators interacting.
In This Issue:
 A wide group photo of CDEC staff standing together on a grassy field with a blue banner that reads, "A NOTE FROM CDEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR."
A Note From CDEC Executive Director
To Colorado’s Early Childhood Community, Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, I want to pause and reflect on the meaningful progress we achieved together across Colorado’s early childhood system in 2025.
The past year was marked by momentum, collaboration, and a shared commitment to supporting children, families, and early childhood professionals. Together, we expanded access to high-quality early care and learning and family support in communities across the state. Colorado Universal Preschool continued to grow, helping more than 87,000 children to build a strong foundation for learning while easing financial pressures for families since the program’s launch in 2023. Continued national recognition of this program reflects not only policy success but the care, dedication, and expertise present in early childhood settings across Colorado every day.
Over the course of the year, we strengthened workforce support, deepened partnerships, and highlighted the essential role of early childhood professionals. We celebrated the lasting impact of Head Start, honored Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, and continued advancing Early Intervention, home visiting, and maternal and infant health programs that support children and families from the very beginning.
Across the state, we marked milestones large and small, from new child care openings and program expansions to graduations and community celebrations. These moments reflected the strength and creativity of Colorado’s early childhood system. Even while navigating fiscal challenges and uncertainty, our focus remained committed to working together to protect services and support those who rely on them.
Colorado’s leadership in early childhood continued to shine nationally this year, as we were ranked number one for policies that support working families with young children by the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. Through collaboration with other states, national partners, and local communities, we shared lessons learned and demonstrated what is possible when strong systems, trusted partnerships, and community voices are aligned.
None of this progress happens without you all.
 A dense collage of Polaroid-style photos labeled with a "2025" star graphic, capturing highlights such as children in classrooms, a vegetable stand, outdoor play, and professional team photos.
Thank you to the professionals who serve Colorado’s children each day, including pediatricians, nurses, early care and education providers, home visitors, Early Intervention specialists, family advocates, school bus drivers, nutrition staff, mental health professionals, and many others. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.
To the CDEC staff, thank you for your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to public service. Your work strengthens this Department and helps ensure that families across Colorado receive the support they deserve.
And to Colorado families, thank you for your trust, partnership, and advocacy. You are at the heart of this work, and your voices help shape a stronger future for our state.
As we begin 2026, I am excited about what the year holds. Together, we will continue to build a more resilient, inclusive, and supportive early childhood system, serving Colorado’s children and families with care, purpose, and optimism.
Wishing you a joyful and healthy New Year.
With gratitude,
Dr. Lisa Roy
Executive Director
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
 The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is sharing a new factsheet on CCDF funding to provide a clear overview of the temporary restrictions and how federal child care subsidies support families, providers, and early childhood systems across Colorado.
Factsheet highlights:
- How CCDF funding supports families’ access to child care and enables workforce participation
- Information about state allocation of CCDF funds and how they are used for quality improvement and provider support
- Key statistics summarizing program reach
You can access the factsheet here.
We encourage you to review and share this resource to ensure accurate information reaches families, providers, and local partners statewide. For additional information or questions, please submit them to the Questions for CDEC Google form.
 A photo collage titled "MILE HIGH MILESTONES" featuring various highlights including families in formal wear, children in construction hard hats, CDEC staff group photo at Red Rocks, and teachers working together.
2025 Mile High Milestones: Early Childhood Highlights Across Colorado
Looking back on 2025, it is clear that Colorado is leading the nation in prioritizing our youngest learners. From the snow-capped peaks of the Western Slope to the vibrant communities of the Denver Metro area, our state has made historic strides in expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and support.
Here’s a glimpse at what we accomplished together across our state:
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Statewide
Colorado Universal Preschool continued to grow, supporting tens of thousands of children and helping families save thousands of dollars while preparing young learners for kindergarten.
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Broomfield
Celebrated new childcare openings and early literacy efforts, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, moving Colorado closer to delivering its two millionth book.
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Colorado Springs
Celebrated program expansions and broke ground on the Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Education, creating space for 140 additional children.
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Workforce Impact
Advanced early educator compensation efforts and celebrated the professionals who support Colorado’s children every day, including providers, home visitors, Early Intervention specialists, FFN caregivers, and more.
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Denver Metro Area
Visited early learning programs like Monarch Montessori and Little Giants Center, highlighting the dedication of early educators and providers serving infants through school-age children.
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Milestones & Celebrations
Honored preschool graduations, Head Start’s 60th anniversary, and Early Head Start’s 30th anniversary in Colorado.
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Pueblo
Connected with early childhood partners at CSU Pueblo Child Care and Early Intervention programs, uplifting workforce efforts, and family-centered supports.
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Community & Culture
Celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, Parent Leadership Month, and FFN Appreciation Week with partners and families across the state.
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Western Slope
Met with communities in Eagle County, Ouray, and Clifton to highlight innovative solutions, including projects that combine affordable housing and childcare.
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National Leadership
Shared Colorado’s early childhood successes on the national stage and welcomed leaders from other states learning from Colorado’s governance model.
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Looking Ahead
As we begin 2026, we remain committed to serving Colorado’s children, families, and early childhood professionals in every corner of the state.
Your Mile High Milestones:
Just like CDEC, our early childhood community has not only grown, but soared. We recently asked our families and partners to share the milestones that defined their year, and the responses serve as a powerful testament to the impact of high-quality early education.
We are proud to spotlight the incredible progress happening across our communities:
Confidence in the Classroom
My son has fully blossomed! He already knew his numbers before going to Hagen but he struggled hard with the alphabet. Now he recognizes letters and starting to recognize small words. My son also suffered for behavioral issues and the first week of school at Hagen was rough also but the teachers was so patient with him to now he loves going to school and haven’t had any issues.
- Michelle Huell-Badger
Building Blocks for the Future
“In August, we proudly reopened a preschool program that had been closed for some time. From the very beginning, the YMCA Leadership believed in and supported this vision, which made all the difference. We started with a beautifully remodeled classroom, brand-new furniture and supplies—and zero enrolled children.
Through diligent work with Denver Preschool Program (DPP) and Universal Preschool (UPK), we worked to get our program on the radar and recognized. At the same time, we partnered closely with our Licensing Specialist to bring our childcare license fully up to par. It was a tremendous amount of work, but also a powerful reminder that launching a quality early childhood program is truly a collaborative process.
Without the support of organizations and advocates dedicated to early childhood education, many programs would struggle to get off the ground. A heartfelt shout-out goes to Diana H. with UPK, Heather W., our Licensing Representative, and Dora Esparza with DPP. Their guidance, dedication, and extra efforts were instrumental in helping us build and grow our program. Because of their support, we now have a thriving with a growing group of children.
Early Childhood Education is vital, and this experience has reinforced just how important it is to have strong systems, partnerships, and advocates working together to support programs that serve families in every community. Through the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening families and investing in early learning, our preschool is not only growing—it is helping build a healthier, more connected community for generations to come.”
- Tammy D. Nobles
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The Gift of Independence
“My 4-year-old attends Evan’s Elementary in the all-day Pre-School class with Mrs. Ortiz. She wakes up every morning ready to run out the door to head to school. It is truly a blessing knowing that she has so much fun. She has become so independent, and learned tons! She also loves the para teachers who help in the class ,as well, Mrs. Janelle and Mrs. Holly. I was so worried at the beginning of the school year because this has been the first time she’s been away from me all day, but the teachers and the communication eased my mind. I couldn’t recommend the teachers or the program enough!”
- Shelby Nabors
From Frustration to Fluency
“Before CDEC, my son struggled to make 3 word sentences let alone actual words when he knew he could grunt his way to some adults. The inability to communicate was frustrating him too and causing behavioral problems such as throwing items at people. After his first 6 weeks of getting to go to public school at 3, he was anunciating words more clearly and gaining confidence to speak to other kids and adults. Now he hardly stops talking, telling stories of his day and adventures on video games. His twin never had speech trouble, never needed speech therapy. Having the opportunity to go to Pre-K thanks to the Universal Pre-K due to CDEC opening the door has greatly help my son catch up to his brother verbally, helped reduce his outrageous tantrums, and put him on a path to love school and look forward to going back each day.”
- J.Hughes
A Year of Radical Growth
“As we wrap up 2025, WHALE Respite Center has so much to celebrate! This year, we proudly provided 52,330 hours of care, launched our Universal Pre-K (UPK) program, and celebrated our very first birthday in July. We also hosted countless meaningful events for our families and community, each one a reminder of why our work matters. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support families raising children with delays and disabilities, and we look forward to another year of growth, connection, and joy.”
- Kristin Ceriani
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Help us inspire others by sharing your early childhood journey through this link.
 A purple text box reading "EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE" overlaid on a photo of a woman smiling at a young child wearing headphones while they sit on the floor.
Early Childhood Workforce
Employer-Based Child Care 2025 Impact
In 2025, six child care sites that were awarded Employer-Based Child Care (EBCC) grants opened for operation. The Employer-Based Child Care Grants are a stimulus-funded program that provide grants for eligible entities to construct, remodel, renovate or retrofit a child care center on or near the employer’s site. These grants are intended to support workforce participation and provide safe, stable, quality, and accessible licensed care for employed parents and families.
 A three-panel collage showcasing early childhood facilities: the red exterior of The Grove Early Learning Program, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with children at the Evans Early Childhood Center, and the modern classroom interior of the Colorado Mountain College Mini College.
The six new sites expanded child care capacity in Colorado by 436 slots, including 106 infant and toddler slots. The total impact of the EBCC now includes 20 operating sites across 15 counties, and 1,364 child care slots.
Empowering the Workforce: Strategy & System Leadership Unit Highlights
Behind every thriving classroom is a strong support system. This year, CDEC’s Strategy and System Leadership Unit focused on removing barriers for educators and expanding access to high-quality care through innovative funding, health benefits, and professional pathways.
Substitute Fund:
- Sub placement hours September 2024-October 2025: 39,933
- Highlights- October tends to be a spike in hours. The average over the last year is 2852 hrs/mo
- 5328 unique sub requests were filled within this time period
- Cares substitute management software was automated so that requests and placements can be produced without a manual process
Ally Health Pilot:
- 91 participants made up of home care providers, their employees, and a few select ECC employees
- Month over month utilization is trending upwards signalling growing use and adoption of the health benefits package
ECE Apprenticeships:
- A total of 73 active apprentices across all CDEC-supported apprenticeship programs (Colorado Mesa University/CMU; University of COlorado–Colorado Springs/UCCS; Red Rocks Community College/RRCC; TEACH Scholarship/ECCLA)
- A total of 20 apprentices completed their apprenticeships across the 4 programs
CDA Scholarships:
- A total of 34 completed their CDA from the CDA scholarship programs at Red Rocks Community College/RRCC and Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families/MCPCF
TEACH Scholarship: (PLEASE NOTE: Formerly T.E.A.C.H., now just TEACH)
A total of 37 scholarship recipients completed their certificate or degree program
Success Stories:
From a scholarship recipient: "The TEACH Scholarship has had a powerful impact on both my professional growth and personal journey. Professionally, it provided me with the financial support and opportunity to continue my education in early childhood education without the burden of debt. Through the scholarship, I was able to take courses that deepened my understanding of inclusive practices, child development, and leadership in early learning settings. This knowledge has directly improved the quality of care and education I provide to children and families in my program.
 A split-screen image showing two young children coloring with crayons alongside a quote that reads: "Personally, the scholarship gave me a sense of confidence and validation in my work. As a working mother and childcare provider with over two decades of experience, the support I received from TEACH reminded me that my growth still matters."
Personally, the scholarship gave me a sense of confidence and validation in my work. As a working mother and childcare provider with over two decades of experience, the support I received from TEACH reminded me that my growth still matters. It has inspired me to be a role model for my staff and the children I serve, showing that lifelong learning is possible and meaningful. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities TEACH opened for me and proud to be part of a network that invests in early childhood educators."
CMU Apprenticeship:
From the program director: One of our apprentices will be completing her apprenticeship program this August and is preparing to open her own licensed home childcare center in September. This is a significant milestone, as it demonstrates how the program not only supports career growth but also expands access to childcare in the community. With her success, we now have two apprentices who have gone on to open their own home childcare centers—an achievement that highlights the lasting impact and sustainability of the apprenticeship model.
UCCS Apprenticeship:
From apprentices:
"The apprenticeship program taught me look at myself as an educator and adjust my teaching practices based on the needs of the students. The program provided me with resources and confidence to try new things and continue to expand my practices based on evidence based practices."
"The apprenticeship program helped me see that my passion in special education is working with our youngest students and helping them begin their educational journey."
 A split-screen image showing a top-down view of a child finger painting alongside a quote that reads: "The apprenticeship program helped me see that my passion in special education is working with our youngest students and helping them begin their educational journey."
"I appreciate the support and guidance as work to become the best teacher I can and the financial assistance through the apprenticeship was extremely helpful in completing my schooling."
Strengthening the Foundation: 2025 Professional Development Highlights
At the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, we remain committed to elevating the professionals who care for our youngest learners. From record-breaking online course completions to groundbreaking new pathways for college credit, 2025 has been a year of massive growth and support for our workforce.
Whether it’s through intensive coaching, peer mentoring, or advanced scholarship opportunities, these initiatives ensure that every educator has the tools they need to provide high-quality care. Here is a look at the impact we’ve made together over the past year:
- 376,940 PDIS online course completions in calendar year 2025
- 90 participants developed leadership from within through mentoring from experienced early childhood professionals. This program helps early childhood professionals improve skills with the support of their peers, while also providing experienced professionals with leadership development opportunities. This is the all time number of people that have completed the program since it's creation.
- The Expanding Quality (EQ) Initiative launched the Credit for Prior Learning opportunity this fiscal year, allowing for anyone who has taken and completed the Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT) course since July 2022 onward is eligible to request the option of credit equivalency for ECE 1111 at an insititution of higher education.
- 410,088 hours of training were provided to 856 individuals through the EQIT course in order to strengthen the skills and knowledge base of early childhood educators in 2025
- As of quarter three of 2025, 1335 hours of coaching were provided to an estimated 415 individuals that focused on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers
- 228 coaches received graduate scholarships to maintain or advance their credentials in SFY 2024-25. 175 fully completed their coursework during the fiscal year.
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The Coaching Implementation Guide was released in 2025 to serve as a support that helps with understanding the scope of a coach's work. It is a collaboration between the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Regional Coaching Network Team and the CIG workgroup. The CIG was inspired by councils and new coaches encountering challenges when onboarding and starting their careers
Two new trainings for the Nurturing Connections Workforce
Nurturing Connections Colorado, previously Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, is excited to offer two new training opportunities to their workforce! In January, consultants and supervisors will have the opportunity to participate in a six-month collaborative training to strengthen their awareness, resilience, and connection.
The following month, consultants will participate in critical perinatal mental health and substance use training. Learn more at Connecting the Dots. These trainings will support Nurturing Connections consultants to build upon their existing skills and expertise to ensure all Colorado children, families, and early childhood professionals are healthy, valued, and thriving.
Strengthen Your Child Care Business: No-Cost Training for Early Childhood Providers
Running a child care business in Northern Colorado is challenging, given the staffing shortages, rising costs, shifting regulations, and high demand. You deserve support that understands both the heart of your work and the realities of running a business.
That’s why the Colorado SBDC serving Larimer County, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), is offering this no-cost Essential Business Skills for Child Care Administrators business training. This course is designed specifically to help childcare providers and early childhood education professionals.
Program Details
The goal is to help you strengthen your business skills related to the non-child-caring aspects of your profession. By doing so, you can enhance your operations, improve your financial stability, and potentially increase your Colorado Shines rating.
- Format: Instructor-led Virtual Program
- Start Date: January 29
- When: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
- Length: 4-weeks
- Cost: No-cost
This course is perfect for you if you're a child care provider or early childhood educational professional and want to focus on the business side of your work.
 A blue text box reading "COMMUNITY & FAMILY SUPPORT" overlaid on a warm, candid photo of a family laughing and interacting together outdoors.
Community & Family Support
New Paid Leave Support for Families with Newborns in Intensive Medical Care
When a newborn needs intensive medical care, families face an overwhelming mix of fear, stress, and impossible choices. But soon, those choices will be much easier. In January 2026, Colorado will become the first state in the country to offer parents paid time off while their newborn receives intensive care.
Through the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, parents can receive up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave during the hospital stay, plus an additional 12 weeks of Bonding Leave once their baby comes home. This gives families time, stability, and space to focus on healing, rather than their paycheck.
Learn more and help families prepare:
Encourage parents and/or stakeholders to register with FAMLI to access their paid leave
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 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.
Questions? Contact Erin McNab (erin.mcnab@state.co.us) or Matt Long (matt.long@state.co.us)
Half of Colorado homes have elevated radon levels, which can cause lung cancer
CDPHE offers free test kits, as well as low-income mitigation assistance
Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed January 2026 National Radon Action Month to encourage Coloradans to reduce their risk of radon-induced lung cancer. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges Colorado residents to test their homes for radon using a free radon test kit while supplies last.
 A purple text box reading "COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL UPDATES" overlaid on a photo of a diverse group of five smiling children standing together on a colorful playground structure.
Colorado Universal Preschool Updates
Over 12,000 Applications Submitted to Date as Universal Preschool Enrollment Opens for the 2026–27 Program Year
Families Can Apply Through February 2, 2026, at UPK.Colorado.Gov
Colorado’s Universal Preschool program saw unprecedented family engagement during the opening of enrollment for the 2026–27 program year, setting new records for application submissions, system traffic, and user participation since the program launched in 2023.
As of, December 22, 2025, families have submitted 12,886 applications for the 2026–27 program year. On the first day of enrollment alone, families submitted 5,913 applications, compared to 3,977 applications on opening day last year—an increase of 1,936 applications, representing a 48.7% uptick. In the first hour of enrollment on December 9, 2025, more than 4,200 visitors accessed the Universal Preschool system, with a sustained peak of approximately 1,700 concurrent users throughout the day.
 A blue text box reading "CDEC POLICY & LEGISLATION" overlaid on a photo of a child and an adult working together to assemble a colorful puzzle on a white textured blanket.
CDEC Policy & Legislation
Upcoming Public Rulemaking Meetings
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) does not have any rules for review, so the January Rules Advisory Council County Subcommittee, Rules Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting, and Public Rulemaking Hearing are canceled.
We encourage you to review the CDEC 2026 Departmental Regulatory Agenda for a preview of the anticipated rulemaking that will occur over the next year.
Rulemaking Discussion Hearing:
Presentation, discussion, and promulgation of the Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration’s (DELLA) proposed revisions to the Rules Regulating Child Care Centers. These revisions would establish a new ONB license type to implement Colorado Senate Bill 24-078; amend provisions for Small Child Care Centers to allow the care of infants and toddlers; and conduct a technical cleanup to enhance clarity and consistency throughout the rules.
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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