Request for Applications: Early Childhood Council Systems Building, Colorado Shines Quality Improvement and Expanding Quality for Infants and Toddler Care
The State of Colorado is posting this Request for Applications (RFA) on the Office of Early Childhood website so that Early Childhood Councils and counties that have an interest may submit an application in accordance with the terms of this RFA. Early Childhood Council 2020 RFA | Frequently Asked Questions.
Please view the below RFA document and the corresponding exhibits.
No-cost, virtual child care business training is now available! Available training and registration details are listed on the “Available Training, Scholarship, Grant and Other Opportunities” section of the Colorado Shines Brighter (PDG B-5) website. Additional training options will be added as they become available, so encourage providers to check back. Training is offered as four week to six week series with different start dates and meeting times. Trainings will have three target audiences: family child care homes, child care centers or start-up and expansion opportunities. Each training is available to licensed providers throughout the state, regardless of their location. Participating providers will earn professional development hours through PDIS.
Small Business Development Center business experts are also available to virtually meet one-on-one with child care centers and family child care homes to discuss their business needs, including budget concerns, emergency planning, and more. Consultation is available in English and Spanish. This service is offered at no cost to providers! Click here to find the local Small Business Development Center offering this great opportunity in your county.
Early Childhood Councils are critical partners to ensuring the success of this effort. We look forward to your help in promoting these services to providers in your communities. Find more information about how ECCs can support the SBDCs, in these ECC resources (contact information, guidance document, invoice document and more).
Employer-Based Child Care Grant Application
As put forth in SB21-236, the Office of Early Childhood is now accepting applications for Employer-Based Child Care projects. This is an initial interest application, and it will be necessary to provide more information as part of your application for funds.
For-profit companies will have to put forth a minimum match of 50% of the project total. Non-profit organizations and government entities will have to put forth a match of at least 25%.
Funding will be available through June 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted. Click here to apply.
In 2019, 29% of surveyed Colorado providers suspended one or more children and 9% expelled one or more children under 6 years old. Males, children with identified delays and disabilities, and 5-6 year olds were at increased risk of both types of removals and 2-3 year olds were at increased risk for expulsion. When children are removed or isolated from the group, it impacts the child’s opportunities to grow, thrive, learn and develop social-emotional skills that prepare them for success.
There are different practices that are considered suspension or expulsion -- even if the program doesn’t use those words.
In-school suspension -- separates or removes the child from the classroom or activities
Out-of-school suspension -- temporarily removes the child from the program
Expulsion -- permanently removes a child from a program
Soft-expulsion -- when a program becomes inconvenient for a family to use or unwelcoming to the point they have little choice but to stop attending
Disenrollment/Termination of Care – permanently unenrolls a child from a program
Early pickup – when a program requires a child to be picked up earlier than was scheduled
All child care programs are required to have clear behavior policies. The policy should explain to staff and families how the program will respond to and find solutions for children in their care who may be struggling. Sometimes a transition to another care setting or schedule change may be the most appropriate decision, but this is a decision that must include families as equal partners in the decision-making process.
It’s important for parents and providers to understand the policy of the program. The behavior policy should be reviewed with families at the time of enrollment.
The Office of Early Childhood partners with Early Childhood Councils statewide to administer quality improvement and systems building efforts.
Rules and Regulations
Early Childhood Councils are governed by rule 7.717. Printer-friendly rules have been created for your convenience and are current as of February 8, 2017. The Secretary of State's website is your official source for updated and current rules.
Governance Waiver Application Review Process
Per Early Childhood Council Rule 7.717.6(E), Early Childhood Councils have the opportunity to apply for waivers to state governance rules and regulations when compliance causes an undue hardship. Learn more or apply for a waiver.
