Colorado Department of Early Childhood

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Colorado Department of Early Childhood Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Government Organization, 710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO.

CDEC ensures the delivery of a thorough, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all CO’s young children, their families and early childhood professionals.

Colorado's home visiting programs are making an impact on the national stage!Last week, CDEC's Carsten Baumann joined ho...
10/14/2026

Colorado's home visiting programs are making an impact on the national stage!

Last week, CDEC's Carsten Baumann joined home visiting professionals from across the country at the International Parents as Teachers Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Carsten and fellow presenters shared their work on strengthening family engagement and elevating parent voices to better support families participating in home visiting programs.
Colorado was well represented, with several local affiliates receiving national awards and recognition for their work supporting children and families.

Congratulations to all the Colorado programs recognized, and thank you to our home visiting professionals for the important work you do every day!

Yesterday, Dr. Lisa Roy joined Governor for a Day Angelique Tolbert at the State Capitol to discuss child care access an...
10/13/2026

Yesterday, Dr. Lisa Roy joined Governor for a Day Angelique Tolbert at the State Capitol to discuss child care access and Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program!

As part of her day learning how state government serves Coloradans, Governor Tolbert met with Colorado Department of Early Childhood leadership to learn more about early childhood programs and the work supporting children and families across our state.

We’re glad early childhood had a place in Governor Tolbert’s day at the Capitol and appreciate her interest in learning more about the programs and services that help Colorado’s youngest children thrive.

Read more about it: https://ow.ly/Hpgq50ZXeVU

Early Childhood Champion Spotlight: Dr. Shana LachowiczFor Dr. Shana Lachowicz, Head Start is more than a career. It's p...
10/12/2026

Early Childhood Champion Spotlight: Dr. Shana Lachowicz

For Dr. Shana Lachowicz, Head Start is more than a career. It's part of her own story.

After attending Head Start as a child, Shana went on to become a Head Start teacher and now serves as senior director of early education at Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) in Colorado Springs.

This Head Start Awareness Month, we're recognizing Shana for nearly 20 years of leadership, supporting more than 200 early childhood professionals across 60+ classrooms and helping strengthen early learning experiences for children and families.

🔗 Read Shana's full Early Childhood Champion spotlight: https://ow.ly/q9b450ZWHn6

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigeno...
10/12/2026

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations.

At the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, we recognize the importance of honoring Indigenous communities and supporting the well-being of children and families. Every child deserves to grow up connected to their culture, identity, and community, and every family deserves to have their traditions and knowledge respected.

We celebrate the rich cultures and lasting legacy of Indigenous communities in Colorado and beyond.

CDEC joined early childhood leaders from across the country at the 2026 National Association of State Leaders in Early E...
10/12/2026

CDEC joined early childhood leaders from across the country at the 2026 National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE) Roundtable in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy and CDEC team members are participated in conversations about strengthening early childhood systems, supporting educators and expanding access to quality early learning opportunities.

Dr. Roy also represented Colorado as a panelist in two sessions:
➡️Building the Supply of High-Quality Providers in Mixed Delivery ECE Systems: Sharing state approaches to supporting early childhood professionals, strengthening facilities and expanding child care options.
➡️Leading Through Systems Change: Discussing how state leaders can navigate challenges and strengthen early childhood systems.

These conversations offered opportunities to share Colorado’s experiences, learn from other states and bring new ideas back to the children, families and early childhood professionals we serve.

Thank you to NASLEE for bringing state leaders together!

This October, CDEC recognizes the Italian American communities that have helped shape Colorado through generations of en...
10/07/2026

This October, CDEC recognizes the Italian American communities that have helped shape Colorado through generations of entrepreneurship, service, education, community building and, of course, a deep appreciation for bringing people together.

Italian Americans have been part of Colorado’s story for generations, contributing to the communities, neighborhoods and industries that helped our state grow. This month is an opportunity to recognize that history while celebrating the people continuing to shape Colorado today.

Here’s to the stories, achievements and communities that are part of Colorado’s history.

A quick reminder that CDEC offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 5, in observance of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day.Our office...
10/05/2026

A quick reminder that CDEC offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 5, in observance of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day.

Our offices will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

October is Head Start Awareness Month!Head Start is a vital part of the state's mixed-delivery early childhood system, p...
10/02/2026

October is Head Start Awareness Month!

Head Start is a vital part of the state's mixed-delivery early childhood system, providing comprehensive learning and family supports statewide.

Head Start by the numbers 👇
• 30+ million children served nationwide since 1965
• 11,000+ Colorado children and pregnant women served each year
• $120+ million in federal Head Start funding supports Colorado communities each year

Have thoughts about the future of Head Start?

The federal government has recently proposed changes to Head Start through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Individuals and organizations interested in commenting on the proposed rule can submit comments through the federal rulemaking process by Oct. 6.

You can read it and submit a comment at https://ow.ly/i4UM50ZTEOf

This October, CDEC celebrates Filipino American History Month and the generations of Filipino Americans whose stories, c...
10/01/2026

This October, CDEC celebrates Filipino American History Month and the generations of Filipino Americans whose stories, cultures and contributions are part of Colorado’s communities.

For young children, family traditions, language, food, music and stories can be powerful ways to learn about who they are and where they come from. We celebrate the Filipino American families, educators, caregivers and early childhood professionals who share those connections with the next generation.

Mabuhay! Happy Filipino American History Month!

Did you know some Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers may be eligible for support to help provide nutritious me...
09/30/2026

Did you know some Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers may be eligible for support to help provide nutritious meals and snacks for children in their care?

This fall, we’ll be sharing more information about the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and what FFN providers should know.

In Colorado, this program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and is known as the Colorado Food Program (CFP).

If you care for children for family, friends, or neighbors — or know someone who does — stay connected.

Learn more about the Colorado Food Program (CFP): https://ow.ly/OSZT50ZL0A5

And sign up for FFN updates to be the first to hear more:
https://ow.ly/YbKH50ZL0A3

Address

710 S. Ash Street
Denver, CO
80246

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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