5/8/25 ECEA Members Update
This week in Colorado Springs, the school district is advertising that UPK "has given families options to use state funding to pay for lower quality programming provided by less qualified individuals outside of the district".
Heads up community based programs! You better be hitting your social media with evidence to the contrary. Tell people in the community about the services you provide and how long you've been doing it! Highlight was is unique about your program and make sure you are sharing out statements from your families to counter the negative publicity!
Let's look at some of the things we've encountered recently:
Read the story but the gist is....a School Principal told staff to call an on call nurse instead of 911 when that health technician said he saw signs of a serious concussion.
In ANOTHER related story...one school in the Boulder school district called a mom on 4/23/25 and told her she should come to the school because her daughter "hurt her arm". When the mom arrived at the school she was alarmed to discover that the bone in her daughters arm was protruding from her body, no ambulance was called, no transport to the hospital provided. Mom even walked to the school instead of driving because they made the injury sound like it was nothing.
WHY are we bringing this up? While those were situations that involved older children the facts remain the same.
Let's look at the Colorado Springs School District specifically. Recent media stories highlight how kids had to be moved to a new location because the building around them was found to put children at risk. You can find a timeline for the discovery and response here: https://farmonaut.com/usa/urgent-colorado-springs-school-closure-structural-safety-concerns-prompt-geotechnical-survey-and-student-relocation/
It's simple. There is a clear disparity that exists in safety requirements between school district and community based child care and UPK programs.
1) School districts self monitor allegations of abuse and neglect.
2) Schools can jeopardize the safety of children with little to no consequence.
We are continually asked about the differences in licensing between community based programs and school districts.
In Child Care and Preschool settings in School Districts they can submit documentation that reduces "duplicative inspection burdens":
They must submit a form to show compliance with the above annually to avoid the above items being reinspected by CDEC.
Other Differences:
School districts can use unqualified substitutes from their regular sub pool to fill each teacher position for up to 10 days as long as they track the information and make it available for review, and do not have to have a large center Director onsite for each early childhood program if they have at least 10 administrative support elements 2.243.B.1.a-p.
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What about this social post? While School Districts scream that they don't have enough revenue this happens:
"Does anyone realize that the SVVSD retiring super attendant just received a $780,000 bonus. I’m a little confused. This is a public school, not a pro at school for profit business! He just received huge bonus for retiring, over twice as much of his salary.! Good gracious, this is outrageous. This is unbelievable. How is it that taxpayer money is being used this way? This is crazy. I am shocked ! Everyone should be outraged! Let alone teacher who are living paycheck to paycheck check to paycheck and current hiring freeze, budget cuts.. you can’t make this stuff up! "
Those are YOUR property tax dollars, etc. at work.
ECEA MEMBERS: CDEC is seeking stories that highlight how unique you are as you participate in UPK. If you have a story to share, reach out to [email protected] and I will connect you!
MEMBERS ONLY
NEW Legislative Requirements for YOUR BUSINESS Based on the 2025 Legislative Session
Health Care Insurance requirements:
1) MUST provide gender affirming health care that is deemed medically necessary by a physical or behavioral health-care provider and is prescribed.
2) Requires the coverage of the chronic disease of obesity and the treatment of pre-diabetes, including coverage for the national diabetes prevention program, medical nutrition therapy, intensive behavioral or lifestyle therapy, metabolic and bariatric surgery.
For Large Groups: Carriers must offer the policyholder the option to purchase coverage for FDA approved anti-obesity medications, including at least one FDA-approved GLP-1 medication.
3) You insurance must provide mental health/substance abuse treatment on the same level as it covers physical health.
FAMLI Changes:
Allows FAMLI leave to be extended by up to 12 additional weeks if the infant was in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
Child Care Business Policies:
FEES BILL:
- Takes effect January 1, 2026
- Application/Wait list or Deposits:
- If not enrolled within 6 months of paying the fee it is refundable.
- You can retain a reasonable administrative fee (the amount is to be determined by CDEC based on stakeholder engagement)
- Must be requested in writing by the parent to be issued.
- Once a refund is issued they can be removed from the waitlist.
- Any family that refused care is not entitled to a refund.
- Any fee charged to hold a slot is not subject to the following AND If a family enrolls and signs a contract, the contract is not required to do the following outlined in the section:(note: all requirements are in this section–means that if a parent agrees to the terms of the contract that the requirements in this bill are not binding? Read it for yourself to be sure you agree!)
- Deposits must be applied towards the tuition
- You must develop a policy that outlines a fee schedule and the process of fee refunds to prospective families on:
- Joining a wait list
- Registration and
- Request of the family
- Provide your existing families with a fee schedule and a fee refund process for enrolled families upon:
- Enrollment
- Amendments to the fee schedule
- Amendments to the process of fee refunds
- You MAY publish this on your website but are not required to do so.
- CDEC will ensure compliance through licensing inspections and complaint investigations.
- If the program is not compliant then you have 30 days to come into compliance.
- No action is to be taken unless there is a finding that the action is a deliberate violation of the state law.
IMMIGRATION BILL:
- You will not provide to ICE unless required by federal or state law:
- Any personal identifying info about a student who was or is enrolled except with a valid release of information from the parent or guardian.
- You will not provide access to the facility, grounds or property that is not accessible to the public unless a warrant is issued by a federal judge/magistrate or an order issued by a federal judge/magistrate allows the access for ICE.
- You CAN release a record if there is a subpoena, order, or warrant issued by a federal judge/magistrate OR a valid release of information from the parent.
- By September 1, 2025 you will develop and implement policies for staff and families that:
- Outline procedures that maintain the protection of information and spaces as described above.
- Procedures that outline how you will properly release information in the event that ICE has proper documentation (as outlined above)
- Designate a responsible employee to be notified if information or access is requested by ICE
- Include a procedure to request and document the following if access or information is requested by ICE:
- First and last name of the person leading the enforcement
- Employer
- Badge Number
- Get a copy of the subpoena,order, or warrant
- Outline a procedure for how you will communicate about the ICE request to the parent, guardian, or relative of the student
- Make the policies available upon request, in your parent handbook or any other means you use to communicate policies for parents and the general public.
- If you intentionally violate this requirement you will be subject to an injunction and a civil penalty that is not more than $50,000 for each violation.
- Please note: You must be able to demonstrate to licensing that your policies include the outlined details above. You DO NOT have to release the information that you collect to anyone at the state.
Labor Laws:
1) Delaying a check for employees is WAGE THEFT. You can now go on adverse action and even lose your license if you do it. You will also be subject to fines of $5,000-50,000 per offense!!
2) There is a possibility under HB25-1312 that you will have to change your enrollment forms to include "Chosen Name" for children and parents in your program. We say it's a possibility because the immigration bill redefined child cares as public entities if they've taken state money in the past 5 years. 1312 requires this change in paperwork for all public programs. Time will tell if this becomes a rule via CDEC.
TAX Changes:
1) 20% of annual investment in tangible personal property to be used in a child care center, or home. Repeal date is 1/1/29
2) Qualified care worker tax credit (no longer requires the program to have been at a program for six months, just licensed during the tax year. Repeal date is 1/1/26.
Want to see this later? It will always be on our 2025 Legislative Tracker at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vzLoKCNl4r7mNd19YdB9-s26AFh8qs3c-3AaJqQhuEM/edit?usp=sharing
Budget Evaluation
The state budget process can be confusing! This year there are two CDEC "Add-ons" that make it challenging to figure out. Senator Scott Bright has a meeting scheduled with the budget office to gain some clarity on how to read 3 different versions (long bill and 2 add-on's for the CDEC portion of the budget). Once he finds out the best way to decipher that we will share out the budget information with you!
UPK RATES INCREASE BY .15%-1.34% Depending on the number of hours and LCO
See the comparison here at the bottom of the page (scroll through pictures): https://www.coloradoecea.org/advocacy/universal-preschool-upk
Rules Advisory Council (RAC) 2025 Appointments
Apply NOW to be a member of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s Rules Advisory Council! The Early Childhood Leadership Commission is leading the search for a few new members to serve on the Rules Advisory Council. This 15-member Council advises the CDEC Executive Director on developing rules to guide the functions, programs and services that the Department oversees. The RAC represents a wide range of voices and perspectives from urban, suburban, and rural settings and who represent diversity in race, ethnicity, immigration status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, and language. We strongly encourage applications from anyone who is passionate about the care and education of young children aged birth to five, their families, and the professionals who support them. Learn more about the RAC here!
Currently, 5 members’ terms will end on June 30, 2025; however, members currently serving are eligible for reappointment. These positions include representatives of a foundation, business, or early childhood advocacy organization; institution of higher education; county department of human services; and a family, friend, or neighbor (FFN) provider. We encourage everyone who is interested to apply and share their unique perspectives! Apply by May 20, 2025 to be considered for this exciting opportunity!
https://form.jotform.com/221226571020138
Members! New Wyndham Hotel Discount for You and Your Employees!
Early Childhood Education Association and members can now save 15% and more on our Best Available Rate every day, plus save more on extended stays at Hotels by Wyndham.
- Online: https://www.
wyndhamhotels.com/?corporate_ id=1000096075 or visit www.wyndhamhotels.com, enter the booking code above and search for your date and destination; or - Phone: Call (800) 407-9832 and provide either your company name or booking code above
- Download the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts mobile app and add your Company’s booking code above into the “Preferences” section, directions with screen shots are linked here for convenient reference.
Questions? Email Jeannie Carlsen at [email protected]
Best Available Rate (BAR) means best, non-qualified, unrestricted, publicly available rate on wyndhamhotels.com or wyndhambusiness.com for the hotel with equivalent terms, date and accommodations requested. Savings are discounted from property’s BAR excluding taxes, resort/service fees, incidentals, gratuities, or additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed. Offer is subject to cancellation or change at any time and void where prohibited by law. Credit guarantee and reservation policies may vary by hotel; please inquire at time of reservation. Advanced reservations are required. Offer is subject to availability at participating hotels. Blackout dates, room type exclusions and certain restrictions may apply. Offer is not valid for walk-in reservations or if hotel is called directly. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, group rates, or special promotions.
Reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card or Wyndham Direct ID number issued to the Company. New bookings only. Reservations can be canceled in accordance with the applicable hotel’s cancellation policy and vary by hotel. Reservations canceled outside of applicable cancellation policy and no-shows will be charged first night plus tax. Availability of your Company’s negotiated rate is limited to participating hotels and is subject to availability. For the avoidance of doubt, any modification made to a reservation at the rate may result in an ineligibility to receive the rate. Tax is additional.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio of brands includes these brands globally: AmericInn® by Wyndham, Baymont® by Wyndham, Days Inn® by Wyndham, Dazzler by Wyndham, Dolce Hotels & Resorts® by Wyndham, ECHO Suites Extended StaySM by Wyndham, Esplendor by Wyndham, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Howard Johnson® by Wyndham, La Quinta® by Wyndham, Microtel by Wyndham®, Ramada® by Wyndham, Ramada Encore® by Wyndham, Registry Collection Hotels®, Super 8® by Wyndham, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham, Travelodge® by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham®, Vienna House® by Wyndham, Wingate by Wyndham®, Wyndham ®, Wyndham Alltra®, Wyndham Garden®, and Wyndham Grand®. Note: Wyndham Alltra® locations do not offer discounted company rates. Additional discounted rates may be negotiated for specific lengths of time at certain properties.
Forget all of this and want to see it later? Go to Forum (left menu in portal), MEMBERSHIP PERKS (right forum menu) and select Wyndham.
Food & Supply Source is an AMAZING Partner!
There are some requirements though....
1) You have to be large enough to place at least one order a month. Most programs that are able to do so easily have 50+ children.
2) You have to have a place to store food. As a food supplier they have #10 cans, grocery store sized food containers.
Really, that's it!
What you get?
1) Can have free menu planning that minimizes your food costs by aligning with your food order. Meets food program requirements and is conscious of the season we are in too!
2) Perks for purchases!
3) National food sales rep that will solve any issues you encounter.
4) You may even have the same local food vendor, it will just be at a national savings rate!!
What are you waiting for? Fill out this form for an introduction: https://forms.gle/ZQVSm6cBFfCwDWba6
Members: Let's Talk!--About the new legislative requirements! Bring your questions!!!
Next Wednesday May 14th Register here:
https://memberportal.coloradoecea.org/ap/Events/Register/g4FZEveHzCyCo
Statewide Directors Meeting
https://memberportal.coloradoecea.org/ap/Events/Register/6VF9M4MhmC1CZ
Policy Meeting for Members WE NEED YOU HERE! If you are out of the metro area and unable to attend please email [email protected] to get a virtual link. There is a new infant/toddler funding program that is being planned for the 2026 ballot. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT TO PLAN ON HOW TO AVOID UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES!!!!
Register here:
https://memberportal.coloradoecea.org/ap/Events/Register/AnFoW30UVCdCN |
Legislative
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National News
SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS
We want your feedback! Use the form below to submit your comments, suggestions, or recommendations on the draft rules:
- Review the Proposed Rules: [Redline Draft | Clean Draft]
- Submit Written Comments before the deadline on Monday, May 19, 2025.
NEXT STEPS
After the public comment period closes:
- CDEC will review and incorporate feedback into the draft rule.
- The revised draft will be presented to the RAC County Subcommittee on July 3, 2025, and the Rules Advisory Council (RAC) on July 10, 2025.
- The rule will be considered for Emergency adoption on July 24, 2025, and Permanent adoption on August 28, 2025.
How is Child Care Funded from the Federal Government?
During Colorado's legislative session, the Bipartisan Policy Center put out this helpful explainer: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/child-care-and-development-fund-ccdbg-cces/ It shows:
The White House has released federal budget documents here if you are interested:
https://whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-year-2026-discretionary-budget-request.pdf
Here's a GREAT Group activity!
The Rockies are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with a special offer for all educators! We’re trying to spread the word so as many educators as possible can take advantage.
- May 6th-11th
- Discounted game ticket
- Teacher Appreciation Lunch Bag
- $2 donation to TEACH Colorado
Find details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EI7sylb6C1biW7_Zpdl-HPAhrKd4izCN/view?pli=1
NEW Director for the Division of Community and Family Support
More rankings here: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/colorado?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_denver&stream=top#state-rankings
PLAN TO ATTEND ON August 9th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tell your families about it too! When you see our social media posts on it PLEASE SHARE THEM!
