6/5/25 Members Only Update
We held a policy meeting this week with members. It was great to hear from Senator Scott Bright on how the state legislature politics drive what happens at the state capitol. As we've seen in recent years, the impact of those policies and politics can cause significant harm to businesses. It was also great to hear all of the specific feedback from members and their concerns about the possibility of an Infant/Toddler Voter Initiative in the state of Colorado in 2026. You can hear the presentation portions of the meeting here:
WE CAN ALSO USE YOUR INPUT ON THIS ...it's the same question 5 times so that you can rank the order of impact on your business:
https://forms.gle/aXZ4c9rn9zq79vRU7
Your feedback will support our board as they determine next years legislative priorities. We will provide the results for members in next weeks update!
We spoke with CDEC this week about the prepayment for UPK. Dawn Odean stated share that "
From that meeting we also were able to update the CDEC budget for 2025 FY on our website. You can now compare this years budget and next years budget on the same screen to see the increases/decreases of funding for the department and it's divisions.
We were also told that the CO Shines review will begin likely in January. They will keep us posted on the timelines but we've promised that YOU---ECEA MEMBERS will help them to fix the issues that currently exist in the rating system. Just so you are aware: They are considering following NAEYCs lead and moving to a portfolio instead of classroom observations for CO Shines.
Also, the Resource bank (in PDIS) will be expanded mid June and will also have resources available in Spanish and Arabic. PLEASE USE THE FEEDBACK LINKS TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THE RESOURCE BANK.
We are trying to collect your engagement interest in one place. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ENGAGING TO EFFECT CHANGE IN THE CO CHILD CARE INDUSTRY, PLEASE LET US KNOW THAT HERE:
https://forms.gle/pk3BMtJSGV6PaCPy9
If you have not already, PLEASE apply to our PRIVATE FB page. That's where we can keep you in the know and ask questions, etc. Same for you! We limit access to members only. You can add people to the page but make sure they are also added to your account in our Member Portal. If you are not listed under an account there we will delete you from the private FB page!
Provide input to help to evaluate and shape the future of CDEC!
The Colorado Department for Early Childhood (CDEC) has contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to conduct an independent evaluation examining CDEC’s progress since its launch in 2022.
The CDEC Independent Evaluation Webpage has information regarding how various constituent groups can sign up to participate in virtual focus groups and links to take an online survey both in English and Spanish. These groups include:
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Families: Includes parents, foster parents, and primary caregivers for children should complete this survey.
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Early Childhood Professionals: Includes members of the workforce who deliver direct services to young children and/or families, such as home visitors, mental health providers, classroom teachers, family child care home providers, early interventionists, and others.
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Early Childhood Agency Leaders: Includes directors/administrators/owner
s of public, private for-profit, or nonprofit organizations/businesses that provide direct early childhood and/or family support services for young children and/or families that are funded and/or regulated by the CDEC. -
Community Partners:ā€ÆIncludes intermediary organizations that otherwise support or connect the early childhood system, e.g. LCOs, EC Councils, Family Resource Center, counties, philanthropic/advocacy, associations, professional preparation, etc. This includes both organizations that receive funding from the CDEC, as well as partner organizations not funded by the CDEC.
Here are flyers that you can share with your networks and communities:
Great data for the state and county you live in!
Capacity is up, number of programs is down. They don't highlight that piece. With our next CORA we will do a break out for you of who is in school district programs versus community based programs so that you can see the industry more clearly.
One of the most expensive, BECAUSE we are one of the most Progressive states. Progressive in this case means that state policies from the legislature, etc. support families and frequently have negative impacts on business. Those policies drive up costs for programs and then they are shocked to learn that child care is now more unaffordable.
About 46% of participating providers were community-based, or private providers, while 36% were school district-based. A majority of students (56%) attended a school district-based program.
See the report to see your county details.
Want to save 20-60% on your health care costs, IMPROVE benefits and even potentially keep your existing Health Insurance provider?
Open Enrollment will be here before you know it. Costs are going UP in Colorado because of three pieces of legislation that require coverage in behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, obesity services, and gender affirming health care coverage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK4yRYwkPNo
Schedule a meeting with ClaimLinx to find out exactly what you can save:
https://calendly.com/d/cn4d-2pn-kx7/intro-to-benefits-savings?month=2025-06 Tell them we sent you and let us know what you think.
Colorado health officials say a toddler who visited Children's Hospital's emergency room has tested positive for measles. (Colorado Sun )
Trump department investigating Jeffco policy on overnight trip assignments for transgender students
The ups and the downs: SE Iowa providers navigate child care, pre-K challenges
At what age does Colorado say it's OK to leave your child home alone?
Sign your name to stand for this CO Christian Camp's Freedom
Conservative parent groups sue Colorado over transgender rights law
Congress usually snubs private school choice expansion. Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ embraces it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIxLQs0oWX_olwAPG4kcqMbWsy2giXjb/view
If you have suggestions, concerns, or questions about these proposed rule changes and wish to provide your informal feedback, you may use the online form found here. CDPHE must receive your comments by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to be considered.
The Legislative Assault on TABOR: How Colorado Lawmakers Are Rewriting the Rules
This article is a MUST READ! Getting rid of TABOR isn't any kind of solution, because they've essentially done that already!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dprRaXSbOZ2L9BevjHjrWcx0zfrrB4-V
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dprRaXSbOZ2L9BevjHjrWcx0zfrrB4-V
Don’t wait: Make vaccine appointments now
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment releases 2024-2025 school and child care immunization rates
Denver (May 13, 2025) — Public health officials urge families to get caught up on any vaccines they might be missing by scheduling appointments now. Many vaccines are required for school, child care, and summer camps in Colorado, including measles, whooping cough, mumps, polio, and varicella (chickenpox). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends talking with your health care provider, pharmacist, or local public health agency about several other vaccines which protect against other preventable diseases, including meningococcal, hepatitis A, rotavirus, human papillomavirus, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
“Keeping our kids healthy at school starts with getting them vaccinated. With growing measles outbreaks in the United States and around the world, including large outbreaks in nearby states, it’s more important than ever to make sure all students are caught up on childhood vaccines. Spring and summer months are great times to schedule check-ups and make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. This simple step helps keep them healthy and allows them to focus on learning and having fun in school,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer, CDPHE.
Families should talk with their child’s health care provider, pharmacist, or local public health agency about any questions they may have about vaccines and to schedule an appointment. School-required vaccines can be safely given with other recommended vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+, cover the cost of vaccines so families do not have to pay anything at providers that accept their health plans. Even families without health insurance can get free or low-cost vaccines for their children. To find a free or low-cost vaccine provider, visit COVax4Kids.org.
As summer approaches, many children are looking forward to attending camp. Colorado camps create a healthy and safe environment where children learn, play, and grow. Just like within school settings, Colorado law requires all students attending Colorado overnight and day camps to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an exemption is filed. Families can review the immunization requirements to attend camp in Colorado webpage to figure out which vaccines their children need before camp season begins.
Aggregate, de-identified data reported to CDPHE by schools and child care providers for the 2024-2025 school year is available online. Downloadable datasets are available in the CDPHE Open Data Portal.
“Ensuring our children have all their vaccines is not just about meeting school entry requirements, it's about providing community protection against preventable diseases like measles. Don't wait for an outbreak – take a moment this spring to schedule your child's vaccine appointments and contribute to a healthier school year ahead for everyone,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE.
Data is gathered through a Colorado Board of Health rule that requires most schools and licensed child cares to report aggregate, de-identified immunization data to CDPHE annually. The information may change throughout the year. Public, private, and parochial schools with grades K-12, as well as child care centers, preschools, and Head Start programs licensed to provide care for 10 or more children, must report. More information on Colorado’s 2024-2025 School and Child Care Immunization data can be found in CDPHE’s FAQ in English and Spanish.
CDPHE is here to help families securely track their vaccines and make sure they are up to date. Additional resources include:
- COVaxRates.org makes it easy for people to look up vaccination rates for schools and child care facilities in Colorado so they can make the best decision for their children.
- COVax4Kids.org helps people find out if their children are eligible for free or low-cost vaccines, as well as where to find them.
- THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER OF ECEA! YOUR MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR THE INDUSTRY
