Summit County Colorado | Nicole Valentine The National Association of Counties awarded Summit County the 2021 Achievement Award for its preschool program. The Summit County Pre-Kindergarten Program (SPK) also received Best in Category in Children and Youth. The Summit County Pre-Kindergarten Program (SPK) is determined to provide high-quality preschool for all 4-year-old children in Summit…
Can Colleges Help Early Childhood Teachers Go Back to School?
EdSurge | Rebecca Koenig “A decade from now, if that mission succeeds and that vision becomes reality, there will be high-quality early education available in every part of D.C. There will be more people of color working as lead preschool teachers. There will be more kids ready to thrive in kindergarten.” In Washington D.C., two…
Which Countries Have the Most Generous Child-Care Policies?
The Economist “Tiny Luxembourg tops the table. America is among the meanest.” The Economist has generated a chart that measures and ranks nations based on their child-care policies. The rankings reflect five main categories: Leave, Access, Quality, Affordability, and Overall. The United States places among one of the lowest countries with generous child-care policies. Read…
The Effects Will Linger’: US Kids’ Long-Term Health in Jeopardy After Pandemic Schooling
USA Today | Liz Szabo “Experts say many of the youngest Americans have fallen behind socially, academically and emotionally in ways that could harm their physical and mental health for years or even decades.” The pandemic could leave a lasting impact on children for years or even decades. Many children will return to the classroom…
Connecticut Becomes First State in Nation for Baby Bonds
Early Learning Nation | Bryce Covert “For us to be the first in the nation to tackle generational poverty and advance racial equity with the enactment of CT Baby Bonds is powerful and a testament to our values and our shared belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the American Dream.” On June…
A Romp in the Mud After A Messy School Year Can Be Just What Colorado Preschoolers Need for Their Mental Health
The Colorado Sun | Erica Breunlin “If you know children well and notice changes, it’s just important to…make some connections as to what the cause is… Especially if you’re seeing some persistent changes, to really be thinking about whether those are just situational or whether they are signs of something more.” — Jennifer Stedron Early…
CU Denver Will Spearhead Group to Reform Early Childhood Teacher Preparation
Chalkbeat Colorado | Ann Schimke The University of Colorado Denver is launching a statewide effort to make it easier for new and existing early childhood teachers to earn college degrees. The statewide effort aims to make Colorado’s degree programs more accessible and affordable to early childhood teachers. The grant program comes at an exciting time…
What Changes Families Need to Recover from the Past Year
The Hechinger Report | Jackie Mader “These are families who were living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic and now suddenly have six, eight, ten months of rent or utilities to pay.” While there are still policy discussions surrounding federal and state support that could help families recover, many community organizations, child care centers, and…
New Law Will Help Colorado Employers Build On-Site Child Care Facilities
Denver Business Journal | Ed Sealover “Last year was a wake-up call on how important but fragile our child care system is. This helps families get safe, accessible and affordable high-quality learning. Today’s bill is a big darn deal.” said Michelle Barnes, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Colorado Senate Bill 236, sponsored…
For Kids With Mental Health Issues The Pandemic Was ‘Fuel To The Fire.’ What Help Is On The Way?
Colorado Public Radio | Andrea Dukakis “Especially in the last several years and definitely over the pandemic…we are seeing younger kids…who are already having mental health challenges. The pandemic was fuel to the fire.” The financial and medical strains families have been enduring have also been mentally draining for children. Last month, health professionals at…
