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.
- Evaluation Report
The independent evaluation of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has been completed and submitted to the Colorado Legislature, the Governor, the Early Childhood Leadership Commission and CDEC.
CDEC looks forward to collaborating with its partners to review the recommendations provided by this independent evaluation. The evaluation offers an objective review of progress and serves as a strategic guide for CDEC's continued evolution as a learning organization dedicated to building a comprehensive, data-driven, and high-quality early childhood system.
- Steering Committee
- 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).
- FAQ
- Why was this evaluation conducted?
The evaluation was required by HB22-1295, which directed an independent review of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s first three years of operation. The intent was to assess how well CDEC has unified and strengthened Colorado’s early childhood system, identify areas of progress, and surface opportunities for improvement.
- Who conducted the evaluation?
The evaluation was led by Child Trends and Watershed Advisors, independent research organizations specializing in early childhood policy, with guidance from a Steering Committee of 30 diverse stakeholders representing families, providers, advocates, local leaders, and state partners.
- Who was included in the evaluation?
A large and diverse Steering Committee was formed to assist with information evaluation protocols, data collection tools, and outreach to communities throughout Colorado. In addition, a small team from the Steering Committee served as research advisors, providing weekly support to the evaluators to ensure the data analysis, findings, and recommendations were grounded in Colorado’s early childhood context. The evaluation also included outreach to community organizations, service providers, and families receiving services.
- Does the report reflect only the CDEC perspective?
No. The evaluation was conducted independently by Child Trends and Watershed Advisors, guided by a 30-member Steering Committee that included families, early childhood professionals, local partners, providers, and representatives from state agencies. The findings draw from surveys, interviews, and administrative data from multiple agencies beyond CDEC. This ensures the report reflects the broader early childhood system, including how families and providers experience programs at the local level.
- How will families and providers benefit from these improvements?
Families and providers will benefit from a more coordinated, consistent, and accessible early childhood system. The evaluation’s recommendations are already informing improvements that will make it easier for families to find and maintain care, as well as reduce administrative burdens on providers. Over time, these changes will lead to clearer communication, faster connections to services, and better-informed decisions about where and how resources are allocated.
- Is this the final evaluation?
HB22-1295 required only one formal evaluation of the Department at its three-year mark. However, CDEC will continue to report on its progress to the General Assembly, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and other partners through ongoing accountability processes, including annual SMART Act hearings, performance reports and Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) updates.
Contact Information
Please email cdec_communications@state.co.us for more information or if you have any questions.