Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Colorado Department of Early Childhood Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Government Organization, 710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO.

CDEC ensures the delivery of a thorough, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all CO’s young children, their families and early childhood professionals.

09/14/2026

For families recovering from a wildfire, navigating insurance and the next steps can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our partners at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Insurance are hosting a virtual town hall to help families and individuals affected by wildfire loss understand their insurance coverage, the claims process, and their rights and protections. The event will also provide an opportunity to ask questions, with live Spanish translation available.

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕒 3:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual

Learn more and register for the town hall: https://doi.colorado.gov/news-releases-consumer-advisories/consumer-advisory-division-of-insurance-to-host-virtual-town-0

09/14/2026

What does it look like when early childhood systems are built around the needs of children and families?

In Colorado’s San Luis Valley, state and community partners are working together to make early childhood services more accessible, responsive, and connected to the communities they serve.

We’re proud to see Carsten Baumann, Director of CDEC’s Data, Strategy, & Impact Division, featured in this story from ZERO TO THREE, highlighting how local partnerships, trusted relationships, and data can help strengthen early childhood systems across Colorado.

Watch the full story below. ⬇️

It’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation Week! 🎉September 13–18, we’re celebrating the family members, frien...
09/13/2026

It’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation Week! 🎉

September 13–18, we’re celebrating the family members, friends, neighbors, and other trusted caregivers who provide care, connection, and support to children every day.

FFN providers play an essential role in helping Colorado’s children and families thrive. Whether they’re caring for a grandchild, helping a neighbor, or stepping in so a family member can get to work, these caregivers are an important part of Colorado’s early childhood community.

Over the next couple weeks, we’ll be sharing more about FFN care, the people who provide it, and resources that may be available to support them.

Join us in celebrating Colorado’s FFN providers! 💛

We want to hear from you! 📢 Help us improve early childhood rules for 2027.Nobody knows these programs better than the f...
09/12/2026

We want to hear from you! 📢 Help us improve early childhood rules for 2027.

Nobody knows these programs better than the families using them and the providers running them. We need your on-the-ground experience to help us spot outdated, confusing, or otherwise burdensome rules that get in the way of great care.

If you see an opportunity to make our programs more efficient, flexible, or easier for families to access, please let us know!

🗓️ Submit your recommendations by Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

🔗 Fill out the feedback form here: https://ow.ly/NaCI50ZL0tM

📄 Learn more about the process here (provides additional information about the process, CDEC’s existing administrative rules, and how to submit recommendations): https://ow.ly/TNp150ZL0tN

Thank you for helping us support families and providers!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, and there are plenty of ways for Colorado families to celebrate together. Looki...
09/12/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, and there are plenty of ways for Colorado families to celebrate together.

Looking for something to do with your little ones? We rounded up a few free, family-friendly events happening around the state:

Sept. 12 | Fiestas Patrias | Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Flea Market is Celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage with live music, dancing, cultural entertainment and activities for the whole family. Admission is free.

Sept. 13 | Fiestas Patrias | Denver metro area
Mile High Flea Market will have a full day of music, dancing, food, culture and family activities celebrating Mexican Independence and Hispanic heritage. Admission is free.

Sept. 19 | Hispanic Heritage Month Storytime | Loveland
Head to Loveland Public Library for stories, songs, movement and a craft. Each family will also receive a free book while supplies and space allow.

Sept. 19 | Mariachi Celebration | Denver
Anythink Perl Mack is hosting Colorado Youth Mariachi for an afternoon of live music, crafts and treats. The program is designed for all ages, including babies and toddlers.

Sept. 19 | Fiesta Latina | Estes Park
Celebrate with music, crafts, a photo booth, activities for kids and adults and a traditional piñata. Admission is free.

Sept. 20 | Festival del Sol | Boulder
This free, bilingual festival at Colorado Chautauqua features live music, Latin dance, family activities and games.

Oct. 1 | Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration | Aurora
Stop by Martin Luther King Jr. Library for Lotería, crafts, music and other activities for all ages. The event is free and registration is not required.

25 years later, we remember the lives lost on September 11 and the acts of courage, service and compassion that emerged ...
09/11/2026

25 years later, we remember the lives lost on September 11 and the acts of courage, service and compassion that emerged in the face of tragedy.

CDEC honors the first responders, families and communities forever impacted by that day and joins Coloradans in reflecting on a moment that changed our nation.

Your mental health matters, too. 💙Caring for a baby can bring a lot of joy, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelmi...
09/10/2026

Your mental health matters, too. 💙

Caring for a baby can bring a lot of joy, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Taking care of your own mental health can help you feel more prepared to respond to a baby’s needs and keep them safe.

A few simple ways to care for yourself and the babies in your life:
🕐 Create predictable routines. Simple routines around feeding, naps and bedtime can help reduce stress and create a sense of security.
💙 Take a break when you need one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, place the baby safely in an empty crib and give yourself 5–10 minutes to breathe and reset.
🤝 Lean on your support system. Share caregiving responsibilities when you can and make time for breaks. You don’t have to do everything on your own.
📞 Reach out early. Talk with a pediatrician or health care provider if you have concerns about postpartum depression, overwhelming stress or your baby’s development.

The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line is also here for anyone who cares for children ages 0–5. Call 833-326-4411 for support with developmental concerns, routines, caregiver or teacher stress, and more.

Learn more at mentalhealthstartsearly.com

Taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of them.

Early Childhood Champion Spotlight: Morgan SeibelThis Baby Safety Month, we’re recognizing Morgan Seibel, executive dire...
09/10/2026

Early Childhood Champion Spotlight: Morgan Seibel

This Baby Safety Month, we’re recognizing Morgan Seibel, executive director of WeeCycle, for helping Colorado families access essential baby supplies when they need them most.

Under Morgan’s leadership, WeeCycle distributes approximately 500,000 diapers each month, along with wipes, formula, baby food and baby gear through community partners across Colorado.

Read Morgan’s full Early Childhood Champion spotlight: https://ow.ly/OB7050ZM3Ts

What is Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care?It’s the care many Colorado families already know and trust.👉 A grandpar...
09/09/2026

What is Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care?

It’s the care many Colorado families already know and trust.
👉 A grandparent helping after school.
👉 A trusted neighbor caring for little ones.
👉 An aunt, family friend, or nanny providing care in a home setting.

FFN providers are non-licensed caregivers who care for four or fewer children in a single setting — and they are an essential part of Colorado’s early childhood workforce.

In fact, around half of Colorado children under age 6 receive care from FFN providers.

Care you know. Care you trust. Care that matters.

Learn more about FFN care and available resources ➡️
https://ow.ly/ayuY50ZHUTx

In recognition of Baby Safety Month, here is some information from our partners at the Colorado Department of Transporta...
09/08/2026

In recognition of Baby Safety Month, here is some information from our partners at the Colorado Department of Transportation:

Even on a mild day, a parked car can become dangerous quickly.

Vehicular heatstroke can happen in temperatures as low as 57°F, even when a vehicle is parked in the shade or the windows are cracked.

Always check the back seat before walking away, keep parked vehicles locked and keep keys out of children’s reach. If you see a child or other vulnerable passenger alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.

A quick check can save a life. Look Before You Lock.

Address

710 S. Ash Street
Denver, CO
80246

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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