Colorado Shines Brighter - Preschool Development Grant

  • Birth through Five Needs Assessment, Strategic Plan, and Grant Reports

    In 2018, Colorado was awarded a $5.8 million initial Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) initial grant requiring the completion of a comprehensive, statewide birth through five Needs Assessment of the current landscape of the early care and education mixed-delivery system, which resulted in Colorado Shines Brighter: Opportunities for Colorado’s Early Childhood System. 

    To address the 12 key findings from the needs assessment, the Colorado Shines Brighter Strategic Plan outlines opportunities to maximize the availability of high-quality early care and education options for low-income and underserved families across providers and partners; improve the quality of care; streamline administrative infrastructure; and improve state-level early care and education funding efficiencies. Many of the strategies within the strategic plan will be implemented under the state's  PDG B-5 Renewal Grant, providing $11,171,969 in funding per year for three years (2020-2022).

    Needs Assessment Reports


    Strategic Plan


    Other Reports and Resources

  • Preschool Development Grant News and Updates

    View the full list of initial grant activities (2019) and resultant reports or resources HERE. 
    Renewal grant activities can be tracked HERE. 

    Stay Connected!

    Receive the latest PDG B-5 news in your in-box! Sign up for the Colorado Shines Brighter Newsletter.

    The Preschool Development Grant team provides regular updates to the Early Childhood Leadership Commission's Program Quality and Alignment (PQA) Subcommittee, the advisory body for the Colorado's PDG B-5 grant. Visit the Program Quality & Alignment Subcommittee webpage for more information including meeting dates, agendas, recordings, and supporting documents.

    The Latest Preschool Development Grant News and Updates

    Transitions to Kindergarten in Colorado: A Roadmap
    The 2019 Colorado Shines Brighter Needs Assessment highlighted the need to increase transition knowledge and associated support for both senders and receivers across the state’s B-5 mixed delivery system. Beginning in 2019, the CDHS Office of Early Childhood (OEC) partnered with the CDE Preschool through Third Grade Office (P-3 Office) to engage the National P-3 Center (NP-3C) to identify strategies and tools to support children, their families, and early care and education and K-12 professionals as children transition to kindergarten.

    In 2021, the NP-3C finalized the report, Transitions to Kindergarten in Colorado: A Roadmap. The Roadmap identifies eight strategies addressing state and local opportunities to improve cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on the policy levers that can be enacted to support transitions. The Roadmap was endorsed by the Early Childhood Leadership Commission in February 2022, as a framework to systematically ensure more children in every community across the state benefit from effective and culturally and linguistically responsive supports as they move from early childhood experiences into kindergarten.

    This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 1.3.2 Transitions Roadmap.

    New Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line
    A new resource from the State of Colorado is being made available to parents, providers, and professionals who work with young children. 

    The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line is a no-cost, confidential resource for anyone who cares for children under six. The support line helps families and caregivers to better understand and support the mental and emotional wellbeing of young children in their care. Trained mental health consultants provide support for parents and professionals so they can support young children’s social-emotional development, address behavioral questions or concerns, and connect caregivers to resources in their community.

    To connect with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, click here to fill out the online form or call the ECMH Support Line at (833) ECMH411 Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to speak directly to a consultant.

    Your organization plays an important role in helping young children across Colorado thrive. The support line is a free resource that can help your community promote early childhood mental health, which provides benefits for a lifetime. A communication toolkit was developed to help spread the word about the Support Line with those who care for young children. We are grateful for your commitment and partnership to ensuring Colorado’s children are valued, healthy and thriving! 

    This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 2.2.2 ECMH Support Line and Teleconsultation.

    Share The PLAYbook with parents and caregivers in your community!
    The PLAYbook contains information and activities that anyone caring for young children – including parents, siblings, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, neighbors, and family friends - can use to prepare children to be successful when entering kindergarten. The PLAYbook is designed to get parents and caregivers thinking about building children's skills in the locations where they spend time together, using what they may already have around their home through play. The PLAYbook is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, and Somali. The digital version allows users to download the document, take notes, use checklists, and engage with interactive tools! Access the communications toolkit to share The PLAYbook! Contact Amanda Culbertson at Amanda.Culbertson@state.co.us with questions.

    This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 3.1.1 School Readiness Handbook.

    Colorado EI Early Start - Model Development Final Report
    The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is excited to share the Colorado EI Early Start - Model Development Final Report. This report details the recommendations of a broad stakeholder group regarding how the proposed new program should be structured.  

    In July 2020, Colorado, like many states, faced fiscal pressures due to the pandemic, resulting in the difficult decision to change the eligibility criteria for the Early Intervention Colorado program as part of cost containment measures. Through emergency rulemaking, the OEC initiated the eligibility change and then worked with stakeholders to add additional definitions which led to the development of the Early Intervention Early Start (EI Early Start) program for those children and families who do not meet the revised eligibility criteria or who may have identified risk factors.  Over the last several months, a group of stakeholders - informed by parent, provider, and community organization input - have been working on developing the EI Early Start model. Materials from the Early Start work group can be found here.

    The Report details the work group's recommendations on the following aspects of the program model: 

    • eligibility criteria and definition of risk factor; 
    • referral, marketing and outreach strategies; 
    • service delivery and care navigation;  
    • program costs, financing and payment methods;
    • data collection and performance evaluation criteria; and
    • program name.

    In addition to recommendations, the report includes information about the data collected to inform the decision-making process; themes from work group discussions; and potential implementation barriers and strategies to overcome them. A one-page overview of the report can be found here.

    As a next step, the OEC will be seeking funding for the proposed EI Early Start program. A request to help fund the establishment of the program was included in the Governor’s budget request.  You can read about that here.  We hope you enjoy reading about this innovative, important new program to ensure all children are healthy, valued and thriving.

    This work is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 4.1.8 Early Start Model Development.

    New and improved Colorado Shines Professional Development Information Systems (PDIS) now available!
    The Colorado Shines PDIS is the statewide system that provides training and tracks the qualifications and credentials of early childhood professionals. The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) rebuilt and improved the PDIS to better support professional development. The technology for the new Colorado Shines PDIS is easier to use and more reliable. The requirements for child care licensing and voluntary credentials, such as the Early Childhood Professional Credential, are aligned to make the process easier to navigate. The new Colorado Shines PDIS includes an updated Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 with simpler scoring. The new PDIS is a single place for professionals to apply for and receive qualifications for a wide variety of roles. This system launched June 14, 2021 - watch this video playlist to learn about the new PDIS! The PDIS website has changed - please use ColoradoShinesPDIS.com. 

    This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategies 1.1.3 Workforce Data System Modernization and 6.2.1 Professional Development Information System.

    Introducing the New Colorado Shines QRIS Framework
    Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí.
    The Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) promotes quality in early care and learning programs by empowering providers to create safe, nurturing, and educational environments for our state’s youngest children. The QRIS Framework is a collection of evidence-based indicators of quality grouped into five standard areas: Workforce and Professional Development, Family Partnerships, Leadership, Management and Administration, Learning Environment, and Child Health.

    After extensive stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with child care quality experts over many months, the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is pleased to present a comprehensive update to the Colorado Shines QRIS framework. The update launched on January 1, 2022. View the updated Colorado Shines QRIS Framework indicators.

    Highlights of the Framework updates include: 

    • Simplified scoring, elimination of redundant indicators, streamlined verification
    • Recognition of the unique circumstances of family child care homes
    • Alignment with the latest research on quality in early care and education

    In-person Colorado Shines ratings started up again in January 2022, using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Third Editions (ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCERS-3). For more information on the ERS-3 and updates to the Colorado Shines QRIS Framework, view some frequently asked questions and the QRIS fact sheet. 

    This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 6.1.1 Colorado Shines Updates.

    • Training, Scholarships, and Grants for Early Care & Education Professionals

      Consultative Roles Supporting Early Care & Education Professionals

      Consultative professionals are individuals who invest in relationships with caregiving adults so that those adults can engage more fully in their relationships with infants, toddlers, and families. Consultative Roles that might support the care settings in your community include Early Childhood Coaches, Child Care Health Consultants, Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants. While none of these roles work directly with children, each one has a responsibility toward ensuring ECE professionals have the support they need to focus where it matters - with children and families. Check out this new resource that describes each consultative role in more detail and provides links to find professionals in your community.

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 6.1.2 Consultative Roles Alignment. 

      Business Supports for Child Care Providers/Apoyos comerciales para proveedores de cuidado infantil

      The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) are continuing to enhance the business acumen of licensed child care providers. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) across the state will offer business training courses to licensed child care providers at no cost. The following SBDCs will offer training in 2022: Aurora South-Metro, Boulder, Denver Metro, East, Pikes Peak, North Metro, Southeast, Southern, and West Central. The training courses will be offered virtually to providers around the state, but may include content specific to the community in which the SBDC is housed. Most training will be focused on one of the following target populations: child care centers, family child care homes, or programs interested in starting up or expanding. Additionally, at least two trainings will be conducted in Spanish. Trainings will include 4-6 sessions covering business best practices. 

      In addition to the training, SBDC consultants around the state are available to work with licensed providers for one-on-one consultation on business needs, such as building a budget or seeking financial support (e.g. grants, PPP loans). Consultation is now available at no cost in English and Spanish. Click here to register for an appointment today!

      Current Training Opportunities/Oportunidades de formación actuales:

      Budgeting, Cash Flow, and Taxes for Child Care Providers (West Central SBDC): If you dream about taking a paid two-week vacation each year but your child care business hasn't quite gotten you there yet, you won't want to miss this on-demand series. Learn how to leverage cash flow as a financial planning tool, start making better business decisions, and begin planning your vacation while earning professional development hours in the PDIS system! 9-session, self-paced webinar series with one-on-one support from SBDC consultants. Participants can earn professional development hours through the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) by completing all 9 modules and checking their understanding at a minimum of 2 consultation sessions.  Participants who meet these requirements will receive a survey to capture their PDIS user information. This training is designed for in-home and small facility providers. Click here to register!

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 5.1.2 Business Practices. 

      Child Development Associate Scholarships/Becas para asociados en desarrollo infantil

      The Office of Early Childhood, in partnership with Red Rocks Community College and Mesa County Public Health, has released the application for Child Development Associate (CDA) Scholarships for new CDA candidates and renewal candidates. Funding will support training costs and assessment fees for approximately 220 new CDA candidates and assessment fees for approximately 70 candidates. Advisors will be available to help candidates find a training program that meets CDA requirements and assist with the creation of their portfolio for final assessment. Visit the Red Rocks Child Care Innovations website or contact Julia Brink (julia.brink@rrcc.edu) for more information. The next round of application review will open in August 2022. 

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 6.2.2 CDA Scholarship.

    • Tools to Engage and Support Families

      Colorado's Preschool Development Grant is committed to supporting parents and caregivers. The following activities represent work under the Colorado Shines Brighter Strategic Plan Goal 3: Maximize Family Knowledge, Engagement and Support.

      Colorado's NEW Early Childhood Family Engagement Framework

      The new Colorado Early Childhood Family Engagement Framework (Framework) identifies important family engagement concepts to be applied across early childhood sectors and agencies to support the vision that all Colorado children and families be valued, healthy and thriving. The Framework will help entities engaging with families organize their thinking and to mobilize action. It provides an anchor to which organizations and individuals can align their own strategies and activities.

      View or download the Framework report, interactive two-pager, and family engagement graphic by clicking on the links.

      The Framework was developed through a collaborative effort led by the Office of Early Childhood with the support of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, funded by the state’s Preschool Development Grant Birth-Five.

      New Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line 

      A new resource from the State of Colorado is being made available to parents, providers, and professionals who work with young children. 

      The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line is a no-cost, confidential resource for anyone who cares for children under six. The support line helps families and caregivers to better understand and support the mental and emotional wellbeing of young children in their care. Trained mental health consultants provide support for parents and professionals so they can support young children’s social-emotional development, address behavioral questions or concerns, and connect caregivers to resources in their community.

      To connect with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, click here to fill out the online form or call the ECMH Support Line at (833) ECMH411 Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to speak directly to a consultant.

      Your organization plays an important role in helping young children across Colorado thrive. The support line is a free resource that can help your community promote early childhood mental health, which provides benefits for a lifetime. A communication toolkit was developed to help spread the word about the Support Line with those who care for young children. We are grateful for your commitment and partnership to ensuring Colorado’s children are valued, healthy and thriving! 

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 2.2.2 ECMH Support Line and Teleconsultation.

      Share The PLAYbook with parents and caregivers in your community!

      The PLAYbook contains information and activities that anyone caring for young children – including parents, siblings, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, neighbors, and family friends - can use to prepare children to be successful when entering kindergarten. The PLAYbook is designed to get parents and caregivers thinking about building children's skills in the locations where they spend time together, using what they may already have around their home through play. The PLAYbook is available in English, Spanish , Arabic, Karen (Burmese), and Somali. The digital version allows users to download the document, take notes, use checklists, and engage with interactive tools! Access the communications toolkit to share The PLAYbook! Contact Amanda Culbertson at Amanda.Culbertson@state.co.us with questions.

      Support Transitions to Kindergarten this Fall

      Children and families make the transition to kindergarten every year, however the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic make this fall different. Across Colorado, there was a dramatic drop in kindergarten enrollment in 2020, signaling that many children will be experiencing a delayed start to kindergarten this year. The key to successful transitions is that both “sides” of the transition are engaged—early care and education (ECE) programs (the “sending” side) and elementary schools (the “receiving” side). Given the circumstances, it is especially critical this year that both sides work together to help children and families experience a smooth transition to kindergarten. 

      Two recently developed resources can help in this effort. This brief authored by the Colorado Department of Education describes key policies and research about kindergarten enrollment. This tool developed by the National P-3 Center (en español) provides a timeline and checklist of activities for ECE programs and elementary schools to support transitions.

      In partnership with the National P-3 Center, the Office of Early Childhood and the Preschool through Third Grade Office developed the following briefs exploring practices that contribute to successful transitions to kindergarten for children and families, and strategies ECE programs and elementary schools in Colorado can implement and support:

      This work is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter strategies 1.3.1 Transitions Toolkit, and 1.3.2 Transitions Roadmap.

    • Resources for Local Partners

      Consultative Roles Supporting Early Care & Education Professionals

      Consultative professionals are individuals who invest in relationships with caregiving adults so that those adults can engage more fully in their relationships with infants, toddlers, and families. Consultative Roles that might support the care settings in your community include Early Childhood Coaches, Child Care Health Consultants, Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants. While none of these roles work directly with children, each one has a responsibility toward ensuring ECE professionals have the support they need to focus where it matters - with children and families. Check out this new resource that describes each consultative role in more detail and provides links to find professionals in your community.

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 6.1.2 Consultative Roles Alignment. 

      Transitions to Kindergarten in Colorado: A Roadmap

      The 2019 Colorado Shines Brighter Needs Assessment highlighted the need to increase transition knowledge and associated support for both senders and receivers across the state’s B-5 mixed delivery system. Beginning in 2019, the CDHS Office of Early Childhood (OEC) partnered with the CDE Preschool through Third Grade Office (P-3 Office) to engage the National P-3 Center (NP-3C) to identify strategies and tools to support children, their families, and early care and education and K-12 professionals as children transition to kindergarten.

      In 2021, the NP-3C finalized the report, Transitions to Kindergarten in Colorado: A Roadmap. The Roadmap identifies eight strategies addressing state and local opportunities to improve cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on the policy levers that can be enacted to support transitions. The Roadmap was endorsed by the Early Childhood Leadership Commission in February 2022, as a framework to systematically ensure more children in every community across the state benefit from effective and culturally and linguistically responsive supports as they move from early childhood experiences into kindergarten.

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 1.3.2 Transitions Roadmap.


      Colorado Office of Early Childhood Launches Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line 

      A new resource from the State of Colorado is being made available to parents, providers, and professionals who work with young children. 

      The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line is a no-cost, confidential resource for anyone who cares for children under six. The support line helps families and caregivers to better understand and support the mental and emotional wellbeing of young children in their care. Trained mental health consultants provide support for parents and professionals so they can support young children’s social-emotional development, address behavioral questions or concerns, and connect caregivers to resources in their community.

      To connect with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, click here to fill out the online form or call the ECMH Support Line at (833) ECMH411 Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to speak directly to a consultant.

      Your organization plays an important role in helping young children across Colorado thrive. The support line is a free resource that can help your community promote early childhood mental health, which provides benefits for a lifetime. A communication toolkit was developed to help spread the word about the Support Line with those who care for young children. We are grateful for your commitment and partnership to ensuring Colorado’s children are valued, healthy and thriving! 

      This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 2.2.2 ECMH Support Line and Teleconsultation.

      Colorado EI Early Start - Model Development Final Report

      The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is excited to share the Colorado EI Early Start - Model Development Final Report. This report details the recommendations of a broad stakeholder group regarding how the proposed new program should be structured.  

      In July 2020, Colorado, like many states, faced fiscal pressures due to the pandemic, resulting in the difficult decision to change the eligibility criteria for the Early Intervention Colorado program as part of cost containment measures. Through emergency rulemaking, the OEC initiated the eligibility change and then worked with stakeholders to add additional definitions which led to the development of the Early Intervention Early Start (EI Early Start) program for those children and families who do not meet the revised eligibility criteria or who may have identified risk factors.  Over the last several months, a group of stakeholders - informed by parent, provider, and community organization input - have been working on developing the EI Early Start model. Materials from the Early Start work group can be found here.

      The Report details the work group's recommendations on the following aspects of the program model: 

      • eligibility criteria and definition of risk factor; 
      • referral, marketing and outreach strategies; 
      • service delivery and care navigation;  
      • program costs, financing and payment methods;
      • data collection and performance evaluation criteria; and
      • program name.

      In addition to recommendations, the report includes information about the data collected to inform the decision-making process; themes from work group discussions; and potential implementation barriers and strategies to overcome them. A one-page overview of the report can be found here.

      As a next step, the OEC will be seeking funding for the proposed EI Early Start program. A request to help fund the establishment of the program was included in the Governor’s budget request.  You can read about that here.  We hope you enjoy reading about this innovative, important new program to ensure all children are healthy, valued and thriving.

      This work is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 4.1.8 Early Start Model Development.

      Collaboration and Coordination Tools for Local Entities

      The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is excited to announce the release of two new tools to support local entities in increasing collaboration and coordination in their local birth through five systems to improve outcomes for families.  

      Collaboration & Coordination Tools:

      • Collaboration Guide: Family Resource Centers (FRCs) and Early Childhood Councils (ECCs) (Collaboration Guide): This guide includes an overview of the benefits and modes of collaboration between ECCs and FRCs; strategies to begin collaborating; and a variety of other resources to sustain and deepen collaborative relationships that benefit children and families.  While written for ECCs and FRCs, it has applicability to other local organizations that partner with them.  The Collaboration Guide was developed through a facilitated workgroup including the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance, Family Resource Center Association, ECCs, FRCs and the OEC.
      • Local Early Childhood Systems Coordination Toolkit (Coordination Toolkit): This toolkit was created for local entities - county human/social services or health departments, school districts, ECCs, FRCs, and other non-profits - to spur thought and action around better coordinating their local early childhood system to improve service delivery to families. It includes examples of coordinated systems from around Colorado and tools to help localities plan similar efforts.  

      For more information on the strategies that led to the creation of the Collaboration Guide and Coordination Toolkit, see strategies 1.2.1 and 1.2.4 in the Colorado Shines Brighter Strategic Plan.

      Support Children and Families' Transitions to Kindergarten this Fall 

      Children and families make the transition to kindergarten every year, however the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic make this fall different. Across Colorado, there was a dramatic drop in kindergarten enrollment in 2020, signaling that many children will be experiencing a delayed start to kindergarten this year. The key to successful transitions is that both “sides” of the transition are engaged—early care and education (ECE) programs (the “sending” side) and elementary schools (the “receiving” side). Given the circumstances, it is especially critical this year that both sides work together to help children and families experience a smooth transition to kindergarten. 

      Two recently developed resources can help in this effort. This brief authored by the Colorado Department of Education describes key policies and research about kindergarten enrollment. This tool developed by the National P-3 Center (en español) provides a timeline and checklist of activities for ECE programs and elementary schools to support transitions.

      In partnership with the National P-3 Center, the Office of Early Childhood and the Preschool through Third Grade Office developed the following briefs exploring practices that contribute to successful transitions to kindergarten for children and families, and strategies ECE programs and elementary schools in Colorado can implement and support:

      This work is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter strategies 1.3.1 Transitions Toolkit and 1.3.2 Transitions Roadmap.

      Assess Community-level Needs for Different Modalities of Early Childhood Mental Health Support

      The Right Mix to Support Social-Emotional Health in Early Childhood, an ECMH guidance document for community-based organizations to use in selecting and strengthening their range of available early childhood social and emotional health supports and resources. The guide helps users to understand their community’s need, identify gaps, and identify which programs, curricula, and training professionals might meet those needs. The guide will be distributed to Early Childhood Councils, Family Resource Centers, Community Centered Boards and Community Mental Health Clinics.

      This resource is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter Goal 2: Innovate Service Delivery.

      New Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Communication Materials

      The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is thrilled to release a variety of tools to help communicate the benefits and services provided by Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) ECMH consultants. First, there is the new OEC webpage which allows both families and providers to quickly locate a consultant in their area or sign up for consultation through the online referral. Second, a suite of materials that can be used by consultants to advertise their services in their area including a customizable overview flyer, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and customizable consultant bio were developed (Spanish coming soon!). Finally, the Colorado Shines website features a brief, accessible animated video highlighting the impact of Early Childhood Mental Consultation: Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation – The Results Are Extraordinary (click to view in Spanish). Share these new resources with your network to promote strong, positive mental health in your area today!

      This work is responsive to Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 2.1.3: ECMHC Support Line and Teleconsultation.

      • About Colorado Shines Brighter
        The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) grants support states in their efforts to analyze the current landscape of their early childhood education mixed delivery system and implement changes to the system that maximize the availability of high-quality early childhood care and education options for low-income and disadvantaged families across providers and partners, improve the quality of care, streamline administrative infrastructure, and improve state-level early childhood care and education funding efficiencies.

        In December 2018, Colorado was awarded a $5.8 million initial PDG B-5 from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the US Department of Education. This funding was made available under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and is targeted to help states build a quality early learning system for children birth to 5 and their families. The initial PDG B-5 project period began December 31, 2018, and ended February 29, 2020. View Colorado's application and revised budget. View the full list of activities from the initial grant period and access project reports HERE.

        In December 2019, Colorado was awarded a PDG B-5 Renewal of $11,171,969 per year for three years (2020-2022). Renewal grant funds will be used to implement activities identified in the Colorado Shines Brighter Strategic Plan to maximize the number of high-quality early care and education options available to families, especially families identified as vulnerable and underserved such as those living in rural areas, families of infants and toddlers, and families of children with special needs. View Colorado's renewal application and revised budget. A summary of grant activities can be found HERE.

        Colorado Shines Brighter (PDG B-5) is based on the state's shared vision to ensure all children are ready for school when entering kindergarten by achieving three outcomes:
        1. Colorado families have access to quality formal early childhood care and education settings of their choosing which best meet the need of their child and family, especially those who are vulnerable and infants and toddlers.
        2. Informal early childhood care and education environments (parental, friend, family, and neighbor care) are enhanced to enrich and support children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
        3. Colorado’s B-5 early childhood state system is coordinated and aligned to enhance the resources available to families and to improve the quality of relationships among families, caregivers, and children.
      • Frequently Asked Questions

        What is the difference between the Colorado Shines Brighter Statewide Strategic Plan and the PDG renewal grant activities?
        The responsibility of caring for Colorado’s youngest children is shared between parents, caregivers, early childhood professionals, program administrators, policymakers, advocates and other stakeholders across public and private organizations and agencies at the state and local levels. The Colorado Shines Brighter Birth through Five Strategic Plan, 2020-2025 was developed in partnership with these stakeholders to support aligned and coordinated efforts to ensure all children are valued, healthy and thriving. The strategic plan is endorsed by the Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC) as the statewide birth through five systems strategic plan. Progress made on the strategic plan will be tracked and communicated by the ECLC.

        The PDG Renewal provides federal funding of up to $11,171,969 per year for three years (2020-2022). The funds will be used to implement activities identified in the strategic plan to maximize the number of high-quality early care and education options available to families, especially families identified as vulnerable and underserved such as those living in rural areas, families of infants and toddlers, and families of children with special needs. 

        How will progress on the PDG Renewal be communicated to the public?
        View outcomes from the initial PDG B-5 here. 

        You can track the progress made on the PDG Renewal the following ways:

        • Sign up for the monthly Colorado Shines Brighter newsletter.
        • Attend Early Childhood Leadership Commission Program Quality and Alignment (PQA) Subcommittee meetings. PQA Subcommittee meetings are used by the OEC to provide communication on the grant, provide members and the general public an the opportunity to provide feedback and share best practices on grant implementation. Visit the PQA Subcommittee web page for more information, including meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting documents. 

        What does it mean for a child to be ready for school when entering kindergarten?
        School readiness describes both the preparedness of a child to engage in and benefit from learning experiences, and the ability of a school to meet the learning needs of all students. School readiness is enhanced when schools, families, and community service providers work collaboratively to ensure that support exists for higher levels of learning for every child. Colorado embraces the philosophy of “Ready child, ready family, ready community, ready school.”

        What does mixed delivery system mean in the context of the PDG?
        A mixed delivery system is a system of early childhood care and education services that are delivered through a combination of programs, providers, and settings, such as Head Start, licensed family and center-based child care programs, public schools, and other community-based organizations, that is supported by a combination of public and private funds.”
         
        What is the goal for alignment and how will you measure success?
        The PDG B-5 asked states to develop a statewide strategic plan that, among other requirements, “Recommend[s] partnership, collaboration, coordination, and quality improvement activities and opportunities that can leverage existing resources to improve coordination, policy alignment, program quality and service delivery, across early childhood care and education programs in the B-5 Early Childhood State System, including activities to improve children's transition from early childhood care and education programs into elementary schools.”

        The Colorado Shines Brighter Birth through Five Strategic Plan identifies six goals including Goal 1: Colorado’s birth through five early childhood system is coordinated and aligned to enhance resources available to families and to improve the quality of relationships between families and providers. Success will be measured by the extent to which state and local systems partners align and coordinate their services. More detail may be found in the Strategic Plan.

        What enhancements will be made to Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)?
        The Colorado Shines Brighter Birth through Five Strategic Plan identifies several strategies to explore and enhance the state's QRIS framework, policies and provider supports including:
        • 4.1.3 Local Impact Study. Study local Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) and Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) policies for the impact on ECE providers and families, including how new reimbursement rate policies have impacted family participation and access to high-quality ECE programs, and implement indicated changes.
        • 6.1.1 Colorado Shines Updates. Continue to retool the Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for the Environmental Rating Scale 3 (ERS 3) and implement other tools. Support more ratings, including alternative pathways, through an increase in rating assessors. Incorporate stakeholder workgroup findings into the QRIS Framework, including an increased emphasis on cultural and linguistic responsiveness. Complete a validation study in 2022.
        • 6.1.2 Consultative Roles Alignment. Review key consultative roles, including Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT) Specialist Network, ECMH Consultants, Colorado Shines QRIS Coaches, and Child Care Health Consultants, to ensure coordination and collaboration between roles. Identify qualifications and ongoing professional development supports to ensure individuals are equipped to support quality practices within licensed ECE programs.
        • 6.2.3 Coaching. Pilot a state ECE coaching model including Colorado Shines QRIS and EQIT. Increase staff to meet the needs of known coaching deserts and provide additional meetings and formal supports for coaches. Update courses, transcreate coaching materials, and explore a telehealth approach to coaching. 

        The PDG references quality improvement for licensed and license-exempt care; how will license-exempt care be included in the activities?
        The PDG B-5 emphasizes family choice in the state's mixed-delivery system. The Colorado Shines Brighter: Opportunities for Colorado’s Early Childhood System (Full Report) increased our understanding of families' early care and education preferences. As a result of these findings, the Colorado Shines Brighter Birth through Five Strategic Plan includes strategies to improve the quality two settings:

        • Formal Early Care and Education Environments: Early care and learning settings licensed by the state for the primary purpose of providing regular child care. These include preschools, centers, and homes.
        • Informal Early Care and Education Environments: Care provided in the child or caregiver’s home by a person who is a relative, friend, neighbor, babysitter, or nanny. These settings operate within state guidelines, which allow them to be exempt from regulations. May also be referred   to as Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care.
        Many of the strategies supporting informal early care and education environments are identified in the Colorado Shines Brighter Birth through Five Strategic Plan under Goal 3 Maximize Family Knowledge and Engagement: Children and families that enter the system through one program are offered meaningful and relevant services throughout the system.

        What is the ROOTs Early Childhood Mental Health Training Program?
        The OEC contracted with Dr. Sarah Watamura to provide Roots events as well as Branches and Seedlings certification opportunities. Dr. Watamura is the co-director of the Stress Early Experience & Development Research Center, associate professor and chair in the Department of Psychology at the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Denver. In 2019, Dr. Watamura and her team provided training in the Roots curriculum (an intensive, experiential trauma processing and stress reduction workshop) to ECMHC professionals across Colorado. These participants are now eligible for certification as Branches or Seedling trainers. Certified trainers are able to deliver trauma and stress reduction programs for early care and education teachers (Branches) and parents (Seedlings). The knowledge and skills provided within these trainings will equip ECMHC professionals with tools necessary to partner successfully with child care providers and community members on trauma, adversity and resilience.

        What are the commonly used acronyms involved the PDG work? 
        •    CCCAP – Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
        •    CCR&R – Child Care Resource and Referral
        •    CDE – Colorado Department of Education
        •    CDHS – Colorado Department of Human Services
        •    CHP+ – Child Health Plan Plus
        •    ECC – Early Childhood Councils
        •    ECE – Early Childhood Education
        •    ECLC – Early Childhood Leadership Commission
        •    ECMH– Early Childhood Mental Health 
        •    ECPD – Early Childhood Professional Development Advisory Work Group 
        •    ELDG – Early Learning & Development Guidelines
        •    ERS – Environmental Ratings Scale
        •    FCCH – Family Child Care Homes
        •    FCCRS – Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale
        •    FFN – Family, Friend and Neighbor care
        •    FRC – Family Resource Centers
        •    LAUNCH – Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health
        •    MIECHV – Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting
        •    OEC – Office of Early Childhood
        •    PDG – Preschool Development Grant
        •    PDIS –  Professional Development Information System
        •    PQA – Program, Quality & Alignment Subcommittee
        •    QRIS – Quality Rating and Improvement System
        •    RFA – Request for Application
        •    RFP – Request for Proposal

      Questions? Contact the Preschool Development Grant Unit:

      Office of Early Childhood, CDHS
      1575 Sherman Street, 1st Floor
      Denver, CO 80203
      Phone: 1-800-799-5876 or 303-866-5948
      cdhs_pdg@state.co.us 
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      The project described is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0054, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.