Colorado Department of Early Childhood

"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🌟 As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we honor his profound impact on education and the future of our nation. In Colorado, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every child through inclusive, quality early learning. Dr. King’s vision for equality and opportunity continues to guide us as we work together to build a brighter future for all families. #MLKDay #EarlyLearning #Colorado

You asked, we listened!👂We are excited to announce that our Colorado Universal Preschool application is now live and available in 11 languages, making it easier for families to access quality preschool education. Learn more and enroll at UPK.Colorado.Gov today. 🗣️ #ColoradoUniversalPreschool #LanguageAccess #EnrollInPreschool #FreePreschool #EarlyEducation

Yesterday, Colorado Department of Early Childhood Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Roy was joined by Miranda Al-Mouradi, Family Services Director of Westwood Early Learning Center, and Itzel Valdez, mother of an infant son and preschool aged daughter who are both enrolled at Westwood Early Learning Center in the infant classroom and Colorado Universal Preschool program, to attend Governor Jared Polis' State of the State Address at the Capitol. Governor Polis delivered an inspiring speech about Colorado's future, noting our commitment to expanding access to high-quality child care and free preschool. 🎊 Highlighting our progress, Governor Polis stated, "Last year, thanks to Representative Sirota and the voters, the first class of Universal Preschool saved families an average of $6,100, springboarding Colorado from 27th to 7th in the nation for preschool enrollment." At CDEC, we take pride in serving Colorado’s families and look forward to building on this momentum in 2025. Together, we’re creating a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to succeed. 💛 🌐 Read more about the Governor’s address here: https://lnkd.in/gnjMffg9

Inclusive learning programs are shaping a brighter future for Colorado’s children! ✨ Through an inspiring collaboration between the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and University of Colorado Denver’s Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering, two groundbreaking initiatives are making waves. These programs, supported by PDG B-5 and stimulus funding, ensure that children of all abilities have the resources and opportunities to thrive. 💡 Together, we’re building a more inclusive and equitable community—one child at a time. Learn more about the incredible impact these programs are having here: https://bit.ly/4jjgMam #InclusiveLearning #ColoradoKids #EarlyChildhood

📢 Reminder for PDIS Users: Update Your Profile for Tax Credit Eligibility! If you're planning to apply for the Early Childhood Educator Tax Credit, make sure your profile includes your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Colorado Department of Revenue now requires this information to process your tax credit. How to Check: ➡️ Go to your Profile Settings in the My Account menu. ➡️ If you see asterisks (*********), you’re all set! ➡️ If the fields are empty, add your SSN or ITIN to avoid delays or denials. Need help? Check out this step-by-step guide to update your profile: https://bit.ly/3ZXnTMD 💡✅ Stay ahead and make sure everything’s in order for your tax credit filing!

Save $$$ while investing in your child's future. 🚀 By enrolling in Colorado's Universal Preschool Program, families can save an average of $6,000. This program not only lightens the financial burden of child care but also ensures your child is well-prepared for kindergarten. 💡 Enroll now at https://upk.colorado.gov/ and secure your spot! #ColoradoUniversalPreschool #StartStrong #EnrollInPreschool #FreePreschool #EarlyEducation

✨Cheers to a brand new year, Colorado!✨ As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, we want to take a moment to thank YOU for being part of our incredible community. May the new year bring you health, happiness, and new adventures-whether you’re enjoying the beautiful outdoors or enjoying cozy moments with loved ones, we hope you find joy in every moment. As always, we’re here to help in the year ahead! If you have any questions or need support, the CDEC team is here to assist. Together, let’s make 2025 an amazing year for our little ones, families and partners. Here’s to a bright and exciting new year ahead! #happynewyear #Colorado #newyear2025

As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had together at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. ✨ This year has been historic for early childhood education in Colorado, marked by significant milestones and progress. Since its launch in 2023, Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program has served over 85,000 4-year-olds, providing families with access to critical early learning opportunities that set the foundation for lifelong success. We expanded family support services through innovative initiatives like the Family Connects home visiting program, offering parents and caregivers valuable resources and guidance during pivotal moments in their child’s development. Our dedication to the early childhood workforce has been unwavering, as we introduced new professional development pathways designed to enhance skills, elevate careers, and address workforce needs statewide. Additionally, we strengthened partnerships with communities across Colorado to ensure equitable access to high quality child care and education, fostering environments where every child, regardless of background, can thrive. Together, these accomplishments underscore our collective commitment to building a brighter future for Colorado’s children and families. From Salida to Pueblo, Alamosa to Grand Junction, Fort Morgan to Fort Collins and so many places in between, our team has visited communities across the state to connect, listen, and learn. These visits remind us of the vital role our partners, families, and community members play in giving our youngest Coloradoans the strong starts they deserve. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated CDEC staff. The moments we’ve shared—whether during summer BBQs or the recent chili cookoff—highlight just how fortunate I am to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. Your commitment to supporting children and families makes all of this possible. 🎉 Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season, Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director

All Coloradans win when we prioritize our early childhood teachers.🥇Investments in quality preschool result in huge educational, social, and economic growth in our communities. The CDEC is a champion of programs like TEACH Colorado that are #EducatingTheEducators to provide high quality education for our youngest Coloradoans! ✏️ Learn more about TEACH Colorado’s free resources for early childhood educators here: https://lnkd.in/ggvR8wT8 #EarlyChildhoodWorkforce #InvestInECE

Enrollment for Colorado's Universal Preschool Program is open! 🎉 Families can apply for up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool for the 2025-26 school year at UPK.Colorado.Gov. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a solid foundation for their educational journey! 📚 Visit https://bit.ly/3DndouA to learn more. ✏️ #ColoradoUniversalPreschool #StartStrong #EnrollInPreschool #FreePreschool #EarlyEducation