First Impressions of Routt County

05/27/2026

Routt Thrive by 5 early childhood funding push shifts to yearlong public education campaign

Read more in the comments

05/27/2026

Child care in Routt County is in crisis — and we're doing something about it. Drop by Little T***s Park on Thursday, May 28 from 5–7 pm for a free community event! Come anytime.

We'll have info on the child care crisis, pizza & snacks, and real ways to get involved.
Whether you're a parent on a waitlist, a provider, a local employer, or just a neighbor who wants Routt County families to thrive — we want to hear from you.

💙Bring the kids. Bring your questions. Bring your neighbors.

Learn more at https://www.routtthriveby5.org/

05/26/2026

RMPBS Original Documentaries take an in-depth look at the issues impacting communities across Colorado. Grounded in real people and places, each film explores how current events, legislation, and social shifts shape our lives. With each story, we aim to provide context, deepen understanding, and con...

05/26/2026

Come find us this Wednesday! 🎉First Impressions will be at the IMPACT100 Nonprofit Fair on May 27 from 5–7 PM at Howelsen Hill. More than 20 local nonprofits will be there sharing their work, with food, drinks, and free admission for all.

With decreases in state and federal funding, our essential programs and services are facing an uncertain future. Local support matters now more than ever.

Stop by our table, say hello, learn about our work, and if you believe in supporting children, families, and child care in Routt County, please consider nominating First Impressions for the next round of IMPACT100 funding.

We'd love to see you there!💛

https://www.facebook.com/events/816188194100460

05/22/2026

Early childhood programs that receive public funding are impacted by SB25-276, including requirements around handling personal information and written policies for immigrant enforcement interactions.

Join this free, virtual train‑the‑trainer workshop, hosted with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition - CIRC, to learn how to lead community education on SB25‑276.

July 23, 10am - 12pm
Virtual on Zoom
Interpretation available - please contact Enola at [email protected] to request your language.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/qKP0PA7

05/22/2026

05/16/2026

Our 3rd Annual Routt County Early Childhood Provider Appreciation Dinner was another incredible evening filled with gratitude, joy, and so much well-deserved recognition for the early childhood educators who show up every single day for the children and families in our community. To every teacher and provider who joined us — thank you. Your work is seen, valued, and celebrated. 💛

A huge congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners!

🏆 Champion for Families Award
Alaina Wille – SCCC

🌟 Community Builder Award
Alex Sonntag – DLC

💡 Guiding Light Award
Marian Wormser – DLC

🌈 Inclusive Practice Award
Maria Reyes – Hayden
Aaron Fuentes – STELC

🚀 Innovation in the Classroom Award
Tara Peckham – SCCC
Saige Lottes – Holy Name

⭐ Rising Star Award
Caleb Wood – DLC
Grace Kunshier – STELC
Samantha Epse – Grandkids

🍎 First Impressions Distinguished Teacher Award
Stephanie Williams – STELC

You inspire us every day with your passion, creativity, and dedication to the youngest learners in our community. We are so proud to celebrate alongside you!

This evening would not have been possible without the generosity and support of the organizations, businesses, and individuals who believe in celebrating Routt County’s early childhood professionals.

Huge thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:
⭐ Aurum Food & Wine
⭐ Destination Hospitality

And to all of our incredible Community Partners:
Routt County, Talon Grips, Steamboat Floral, Yampa Valley Bank, Alpine Bank, Mountain Valley Bank, Central Park Management, State Farm, Old Town Hot Springs, Out Here Yoga, Steamboat Resort, Ski Town Wine & Spirits, Ohana Steamboat, Dano’s Dangerous Tequila, Skin Chalet, Cook Chevrolet Subaru, Waterside Spa Salon Salt Room, Magicolor, Christy Sports, Ski Haus Steamboat, ACE Hardware, Strings Music Festival

Let’s keep celebrating and supporting each other as we continue this important work. Here’s to another great year! 🎉

05/15/2026

Early childhood matters in Routt County, and your presence can help make a difference.

Thrive by 5 will be presenting our Early Childhood Strategic Investment Plan to local elected officials during the month of May. We would love to have educators, providers, families, and community members in the room to show support for investing in young children, working families, and the early childhood workforce.

You do not need to speak or prepare anything. Simply showing up helps demonstrate how important this work is to our community. Strength in numbers matters. 💛

Presentation Dates:
• May 19 – Routt County Commissioners | 10:15 AM
• May 19 – Steamboat Springs City Council | 6:00 PM
• May 20 – Town of Yampa | 6:00 PM
• May 21 – Town of Hayden | 5:30 PM

Thrive by 5 is working to build a stronger early childhood system so families are ready to work, kids are ready for school, and teachers are ready to meet the needs of children in their care.

Thank you for supporting early childhood in Routt County!

Visit: https://www.routtthriveby5.org/

05/13/2026

Are you an early childhood educator or administrator working in a licensed setting? TEACH Early Childhood Colorado can help you take the next step in your career.

Visit buff.ly/3UoG0Sy to learn more!

05/13/2026