The federal government is currently in a shutdown. At this time, there are no immediate impacts to federally funded child and family programs operated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Families should continue to access care and services as usual. 

We are monitoring the situation closely with federal partners and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.

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CDEC Independent Evaluation

 

Colorado Department of Early Childhood Independent Evaluation

Evaluation Overview

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has contracted with Child Trends and Watershed Advisors to conduct an independent evaluation of the Department as required in state law/statute 26.5-1-112. The independent evaluation will examine the CDEC’s progress since its launch in 2022 to ensure a robust, supported, efficient, and effective early childhood system that supports children, families, and the early childhood workforce. This evaluation marks a critical milestone in the evolution of Colorado’s unified early childhood system! 


The evaluation includes reviewing and collecting data from a wide variety of sources, including extensive community engagement through interviews, focus groups and surveys with parents, early childhood providers and community partners. 

Shaping the Future of CDEC - Engagement Opportunities

Thank you to everyone who provided valuable insights and feedback to support the CDEC Evaluation!  We are grateful to the numerous individuals and families who participated in focus groups, surveys, and interviews.  Stay tuned to learn more about the Evaluation findings soon! 

Steering Committee
NameOrganizationTitle
Dawn AlexanderEarly Childhood Education Association Executive Director
Jennifer StedronEarly MilestonesExecutive Director
Maegan LokteffEarly Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA)Executive Director
Heather TrittenCO Children's CampaignExecutive Director
Lisa HillInvest in KidsExecutive Director
Tammi HilerGovernor's OfficeSpecial Advisor for Early Childhood and K-12 Policy
Christina WalkerHealthier ColoradoSenior Director of Policy
Dr. Sue KernsKempe CenterDirector of Transformative Research
Carrie KennedyColorado Association of Family Child CarePublic Relations Coordinator and Legislative Co Chair
Michelle DenaeFamily Voice CouncilMember
George MontoyaNorth Metro Community Services (Early Intervention Broker)COO/CFO
Rachel HutsonColorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Children, Youth and Families Branch 

 		Branch Director
Pamela HarrisMile High Early LearningPresident and CEO
Sue RennerDavid and Laura Merage FoundationStrategic Advisor
Rhonda McManus-TatumColorado Interagency Coordinating CouncilCo-chair
Crystal DelgaiCDEC Tribal Advisory CouncilMember
Kelly AltizerWestminster Public Schools - Local Coordinating OrganizationDirector, Adams County Early Childhood Connections
Heather FrenzColorado Head Start AssociationExecutive Director
Mandy Watrous-GaleFamily Resource Center AssociationState Intermediary - Family Support
Marisol CruzColorado Statewide Parent CoalitionDirector of Evaluation & Learning
Priscilla HopkinsRACEarly Childhood Director for Denver Public Schools
Ashley WilsonRACDirector at Bal Swan (Early Childhood Community Based Organization)
Dr. Rosemarie AllenCenter for Equity and ExcellenceFounder, President and CEO
Michael AragonColorado Human Services Directors AssociationLas Animas County Human Services Director
Mathangi SubramanianCO Children's CampaignDirector of Early Childhood Policy
Melissa GibsonColorado Association of School Executives (CASE)Executive Director
Brett ReederColorado Department of Public Health and EnvironmentBranch Director
Julianne ScheckerJLH Consulting and Public Affairs, LLC.Parent Representative
Lisa HumberdConsortium of Directors of Special EducationExecutive Director
Meera Mani Strategic Advisor
Tamara DurbinNortheast Colorado BOCESExecutive Director
Joanna BrunoColorado Department of EducationChief Academic Officer
 Evaluation of Non-CDEC Early Childhood Programs

The statute requires that the independent evaluation reviews the programs and services pertaining to early childhood that were not transferred to the department, including the federal law and regulations pertaining to those programs and services, to determine whether the programs and services should be transferred to and operated by the department. This includes Preschool Special Education (IDEA Part B 619), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (Colorado WIC) program, and The Colorado Food Program (formerly Child and Adult Care Food Program). 

Contact Information

More information about the evaluation will be posted in the coming weeks. You can also email CDECevaluation@watershed-advisors.com for more information or with questions.