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…
Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child | Jack P. Shonkoff A new working paper from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child explores the effects of adversities such as poverty, discrimination, systemic racism, exposure to violence, and child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect on the developing brain and other systems in the body. Early childhood…
After Enrollment Dips, America’s Schools Hope for Fall Rebound
Chalkbeat | Kalyn Belsha, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee, Larry Fenn, & Annie Ma “Officials estimate that enrollment will drop by 6% in the coming years — a rate nearly double what was predicted before the pandemic. Declining birth rates and rising housing prices that drive families away are big factors… Kindergarten applications are down considerably for…
How Policy Can Maximize Children’s Potential by Addressing Systemic Racism
Education Commission of the States | Al Race “The evidence is clear and growing: structural, cultural, and interpersonal racism impose unique and substantial stressors on the daily lives of families raising young children of color that affect lifelong learning and health.” In a society that improves the well-being of all children and families, new policies…
Opinion: Four Strategies to Make the US the Best Place to Raise A Family
The Hill | Katherine Beckmann “The success of our children and their families has always been foundational to the success of our nation. The pandemic has proven that our nation can come together to support children and families during a crisis.”‘ This opinion from Katherine Beckmann, a program officer at the David and Lucille Packard…
Recovery Summer Coalition Funds 11 Programs for Colorado Children & Families
$350,000 in funding will support summer programs that focus on equity, engagement, and wellness following pandemic disruptions CONTACT: Landon Mascareñaz Vice President, Community Partnership Colorado Education Initiative lmascarenaz@coloradoedinitiative.org Andrew Keating Senior Communications Manager Early Milestones Colorado akeating@earlymilestones.org Denver, Colorado, June 15, 2021 – The Recovery Summer Coalition (the Coalition), facilitated by Early Milestones Colorado (Early Milestones) and Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), is…
Colorado Launches Safe Child Care Task Force
Chalkbeat Colorado | Ann Schimke Colorado has launched a new task force to recommend reforms to ensure safety in child care settings, as well as provide safety education for both child care providers and parents. Read more from Chalkbeat Colorado.
