Colorado Department of Early Childhood Independent Evaluation
The Colorado Department for Early Childhood (CDEC) has contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Department as required in state law/statute 26.5-1-112(opens in new window). 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 will include 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.
To stay informed about the evaluation, and to sign up for our communication list to participate in the survey and/or focus groups, please use the QR code. We need your voice to help understand the progress CDEC has made, as well as to make recommendations.
Here are the timelines for the evaluation
Steering Committee
PCG will work with a steering committee of diverse and inclusive membership, including families/parents, early childhood providers and partners, and state leaders. Throughout the evaluation process the Steering Committee will be charged with helping to increase community input on activities, tools and summaries of findings related to the evaluation.
Steering Committee Members
Name | Organization | Title |
Dawn Alexander | Early Childhood Education Association | Executive Director |
Jennifer Stedron | Early Milestones | Executive Director |
Maegan Lokteff | Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) | Executive Director |
Heather Tritten | CO Children's Campaign | Executive Director |
Lisa Hill | Invest in Kids | Executive Director |
Tammi Hiler | Governor's Office | Special Advisor for Early Childhood and K-12 Policy |
Christina Walker | Healthier Colorado | Senior Director of Policy |
Dr. Sue Kerns | Kempe Center | Director of Transformative Research |
Carrie Kennedy | Colorado Association of Family Child Care | Public Relations Coordinator and Legislative Co Chair |
Michelle Denae | Family Voice Council | Member |
George Montoya | North Metro Community Services (Early Intervention Broker) | COO/CFO |
Rachel Hutson | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Children, Youth and Families Branch
| Branch Director |
Pamela Harris | Mile High Early Learning | President and CEO |
Sue Renner | David and Laura Merage Foundation | Strategic Advisor |
Kendra Dunn | CDEC | Deputy Director, Office of Program Delivery |
Rhonda McManus-Tatum | Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council | Co-chair |
Mary Brennan | CDEC Tribal Advisory Council | Member |
Crystal Delgai | CDEC Tribal Advisory Council | Member |
Kelly Altizer | Westminster Public Schools - Local Coordinating Organization | Director, Adams County Early Childhood Connections |
Heather Frenz | Colorado Head Start Association | Executive Director |
Mandy Watrous-Gale | Family Resource Center Association | State Intermediary - Family Support |
Marisol Cruz | Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition | Director of Evaluation & Learning |
Priscilla Hopkins | RAC | Early Childhood Director for Denver Public Schools |
Ashley Wilson | RAC | Director at Bal Swan (Early Childhood Community Based Organization) |
Dr. Rosemarie Allen | Center for Equity and Excellence | Founder, President and CEO |
Michael Aragon | Colorado Human Services Directors Association | Las Animas County Human Services Director |
More information about the evaluation will be posted in the coming weeks. You can also email CDECevaluation@pcgus.com for more information or with questions.
