Colorado Department of Early Childhood

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day honoring freedom, resilience, and the enduring contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when people who were enslaved in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

At CDEC, we are committed to supporting early childhood environments where all children and families feel valued, welcomed, and supported. As we recognize this important day, we encourage families to take time to learn, reflect, and connect through conversations about history, community, and culture.

Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate? The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is hosting ‘Celebrate Juneteenth: Freedom Day’ today, with free general admission, performances, music, and activities for all ages.

Learn more: https://www.dmns.org/programs-and-events/freedays/juneteenth/

06/18/2026

☀️ Hot day? Cool off with free family fun!

Cool off for free at one of Colorado's many splash pads, like Ralston Central Park (Arvada), Great Plains Park (Aurora), and City Park (Denver), just to name a few. Pack sunscreen, towels, and water, and make a day of it.

Pro Tip: Most splash pads open Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day.

💫Outdoor play helps children build physical skills, confidence, and curiosity while creating lasting family memories.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

📢 Colorado’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is currently paused through September 20, 2026 as part of the transition to a refreshed Quality Improvement System (QIS).

What this means right now:
➡️ Programs keep their current ratings
➡️No action is required

When the portal reopens on September 20, 2026:
➡️ Level 2 programs may apply for a streamlined path to Provisional Level 3
➡️ Additional tools and supports will be available

CDEC will share resources including FAQs, short videos, step-by-step guides, and help sessions to support providers through the process.

Read more for full details and support information: https://ow.ly/Uwbq50ZcQjG

06/16/2026

Finding the right child care is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. Whether you are looking at a licensed facility or relying on a trusted friend or family member, you deserve to feel confident that your child is in good hands.

Our resource page, Choosing Safe, Quality Child Care: Know Your Options & Ask Questions, is designed to help you navigate this journey.

Visit the page to:
👉Understand Licensing: Learn what it means to be licensed, when a caregiver must have a license, and when they are exempt.
👉Ask the Right Questions: Get a checklist of questions to ensure your child’s safety, no matter the setting.
👉Get Free Assistance: Access free help to find and research licensed child care programs in your area.
👉Speak Up: Learn the steps to take if a child care situation doesn’t feel safe.

Learn about licensing requirements, get questions to ask potential providers, and access FREE help finding care in your area. Read our guide to safe, quality care: https://ow.ly/tgZt50Z9ZxX

06/15/2026

Last week, CDEC was honored to join community partners for the ribbon-cutting of the Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Education, operated by Early Connections Learning Centers, in Colorado Springs. ✂️🎉

Projects like this matter because access to high-quality early care and education matters. As Dr. Lisa Roy shared, “When children have strong early learning experiences, caring adults around them, and environments where they feel safe and supported, it can shape so much about how they grow, learn, and thrive.”

With a focus on infant and toddler care, the Alice Bemis Taylor Center aims to expand access for families, by adding an additional 50 slots, while keeping costs manageable. Thank you to Early Connections Learning Centers and everyone who helped make this vision a reality for Colorado families.

Watch to learn more about this milestone: https://ow.ly/IHGM50Zc0hI

06/14/2026

Congratulations to Mountain Resource Center Preschool on receiving a Triad Early Childhood Council Award! 🎉

Thank you for your commitment to helping Colorado children build the foundation they need to thrive. 💙

🏆 We’re honored to share that Mountain Resource Center Preschool has received a Triad Early Childhood Council Children’s Champion Award!

This recognition celebrates individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to ensure services for children from birth to age 8 in Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties are comprehensive, equitable, and accessible. Triad Early Childhood Council partners with families, providers, and community stakeholders to advance quality, equitable early childhood experiences across our region.

We are so proud of our preschool team and grateful for the leadership of our Preschool Director, Leslie Johnson, pictured here on stage with the award. Every day, Leslie and our educators create a warm, joyful, and evidence-backed learning environment where children build the skills, confidence, and connection they need to thrive.

Thank you to Triad Early Childhood Council for this meaningful recognition and for your continued commitment to strengthening early childhood systems for mountain-area children and families.

There’s still time to register your three- or four-year-old for MRC’s Colorado Shines Level Five preschool in the fall. Learn more at www.mrcco.org/preschool.



MRC’s mission is to engage our community with essential services that empower all people to thrive. We envision a community that is healthy, secure, and connected.

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

Day 1 at brought together leaders, educators, students, policymakers, and innovators from across the country to explore solutions that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood team attended sessions, connected with partners, and exchanged ideas with leaders dedicated to building pathways to success for children, families, and future generations.

We were especially proud to see Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy join leaders from Arizona and California for the panel, Policy, Programs, and Partners for Preschool and Early Education, sharing insights on how collaboration and innovation can help create stronger early childhood systems. Dr. Roy also joined fellow education and community leaders at the GlobalMindED reception, continuing conversations about inclusive leadership, economic mobility, and student success.

Thank you, GlobalMindED Conference, for creating a space where student voices, community partnerships, and bold ideas come together to shape the future.

06/12/2026

It takes an ecosystem to power a workforce.

No single organization can solve the early childhood workforce shortage alone. That’s why Colorado is building a unified, sustainable apprenticeship system across all 64 counties.

Why are apprenticeships so important?
🔹 They bring high-quality, debt-free training to rural and hard-to-reach areas.
🔹 They reduce childcare waitlists by ensuring centers are adequately staffed.
🔹 They allow parents to return to the workforce with peace of mind.
🔹 They keep stable, familiar "brain builders" in the classroom day after day.

When our early childhood workforce is stable and well-trained, our entire community thrives.

Read more about how we are joining forces to secure a brighter future for Colorado's families: https://bit.ly/4fNg8md