Early Milestones Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services – Office of Early Childhood, is pleased to announce the Community Innovation and Resilience for Care and Learning Equity (CIRCLE) Grant program. The program will provide nearly $23 million in grants to child care providers and other community, education or governmental partners (community-based…
Special Education Funding Bill Brings Colorado Close to 2006 Promises
Chalkbeat Colorado | Erica Meltzer “Senate Bill 127 would boost state funding to $1,750, a 40% increase, for each student who receives special education services.” The Senate Bill 127 was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee to increase state spending for special education services in Colorado. Meltzer describes the increase of money being put…
US Schools Failing in Fight Against Youth Mental Health Crisis
USA Today | Alia Wong “The vast majority of states lack the recommended ratios of school mental health professionals, including counselors, psychologists and social workers.” A first-of-its-kind report card released last week shows that all 50 states are failing to implement at least some of the policies that enable schools to fulfill the roles of…
Colorado Schools Got More Money for English Learners. Where is it Going?
Chalkbeat Colorado | Yesenia Robles “Advocates say the funds are not enough for districts to adequately serve English learners, and some worry that the state didn’t create ways to ensure schools are using the money toward services the students require.” Colorado school districts have planned to put new state money towards adding staff and providing…
Study Sheds Light on Most Urgent Needs of Colorado’s Rural Schools
Sterling Journal-Advocate | Callie Jones “Teacher shortages have long plagued rural districts in Colorado and have worsened since the pandemic began.” The most urgent needs for rural Colorado schools include addressing staff shortages, providing academic support for students, and providing mental health or emotional support services for students and their families. Jones explores the results…
COVID-19 Stress Has Been ‘Next Level’ for Parents of Young Children in Preschool, Child Care
The Aspen Times | Kaya Williams “There are so many factors that have contributed to the disaster, the crisis that child care is in America right now, and we are just one slice of it.” The stress of the coronavirus pandemic on teachers and the effect that has on their own children has continued across…
Revised Developmental Milestones for Babies and Toddlers: Your Questions Answered
Zero to Three | Rebecca Parlakian “Early intervention is proven to be one of the fastest and most important pathways to improve outcomes for young children and is particularly effective when provided as early as possible.” Parenting expert Rebecca Parlakian answers a series of questions from parents and early childhood professionals about the importance of…
Empty Colorado State Buildings May See Reuse as Child Care Centers
Denver Business Journal | Ed Sealover “The state has a major shortage of child care facilities and early childhood education centers could use the vacant square footage to help add more of those in areas that are particularly short of providers.” Governor Jared Polis hopes to expand Colorado’s public-private partnerships by remodeling vacant state buildings…
How Racism in Early Life Can Affect Long-Term Health
Scientific American | Jack P. Shonkoff “We all need to start paying closer attention to the science that explains how excessive adversity can undermine lifelong health as well as early learning.” Impacts of adversity due to racism in early childhood can affect a lifetime of health. Shonkoff discusses some of the underlying reasons why young…
Universal Free Preschool is Coming. How Will Colorado Ensure Quality?
Chalkbeat Colorado | Ann Schimke “Experts say preschool can produce short- and long-term benefits for kids, but only if it’s high quality.” Universal preschool will be available in Colorado starting next year, but how will the quality of these schools be determined? Schimke discusses the upcoming universal program and emphasizes the importance of proper training…
