Early Childhood

We speak up for early childhood so that all children have access to quality early childhood experiences and relationships that nurture their development and growth.

When The Campaign was founded, early childhood was an afterthought in government, with few state resources or programs devoted to children younger than four. Today, Colorado has a Department of Early Childhood and a growing, committed community of early childhood champions focused on supporting children and families from birth. The Campaign helped lead this evolution, working with partners to build an increasingly robust set of policies and programs so that all children have access to safe, high-quality care, education, and services in these crucial years.

Expanding access to preschool: From the Colorado Preschool Program, which supported children with academic or financial needs in attending preschool, to the Universal Preschool Program, which helps families across the state afford programs in a range of settings, The Campaign’s advocacy has dramatically expanded access to preschool.

Creating a place for early childhood in state government: The Campaign helped establish first an Office of Early Childhood at the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, and later the Colorado Department of Early Childhood – ensuring the state has a dedicated focus on the early years.

Supporting access to safe, high-quality, affordable child care: The Campaign has advanced a range of efforts to help families find and afford care for babies, toddlers, and young children, including the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

Fostering a more equitable early childhood system: All children deserve safe, consistent care – which is why The Campaign has supported tax credits for careworkers and child

OUR PRIORITIES

• Early care and education access and quality
• Early childhood systems and programs
• Healthy development
• Fiscal reform
• Federal advocacy
• Data improvements