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.

El gobierno federal se encuentra actualmente en un cierre. Por el momento, no hay impactos inmediatos en los programas financiados con fondos federales que opera el Departamento de Primera Infancia de Colorado. Las familias deben continuar accediendo a los servicios de cuidado infantil y del CDEC con normalidad. Estamos monitoreando de cerca la situación con nuestros socios federales y compartiremos información actualizada en cuanto tengamos más información.

Colorado Department of Early Childhood Executive Director Appointed to Education Commission of the States Steering Committee


Submitted by Elaine Khuu
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Colorado Department of Early Childhood Executive Director Appointed to Education Commission of the States Steering Committee

A significant step forward for the recognition and representation of Colorado’s early childhood sector on a national level

Denver, CO (August 4, 2025) – The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) today announced that its Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Roy, has been appointed to the Education Commission of the States (ECS) Steering Committee for the 2025-27 term. This prestigious appointment elevates Colorado’s early childhood sector, providing vital representation at a national level.

As ECS's primary policy-setting body, the Steering Committee offers critical leadership and advice to the organization. Members are recognized as leaders within their state’s ECS Commissioner delegation.

“I am more than honored to accept this appointment,” said Dr. Roy. “It signifies not only a personal achievement but also Colorado’s prominent position in the national early childhood landscape. Early childhood, both in our state and beyond, is fundamental to the long-term success of all children and families, and now, it will have a greater voice and importance on a national scale.”

Dr. Roy’s nomination and subsequent appointment underscore the growing importance of early childhood education in state policy discussions. Her leadership on the Steering Committee will ensure that Colorado’s innovative approaches and the needs of its youngest learners are brought to the forefront of national conversations. This is a significant step forward for the recognition and representation of Colorado’s early childhood sector.

ECS serves as a nonpartisan partner to state policymakers and education leaders, providing personalized support, unbiased information, and opportunities for collaboration. Through its programs and services, ECS helps education leaders gain the trusted insight and experience needed to create more effective education policy across all 50 states.

ECS supports states through:

  • RESEARCH: Compiling information on education policies from early childhood through postsecondary and workforce development to inform state policymakers.
  • REPORT: Publishing relevant and timely reports and resources offering concise, factual overviews of state education policies.
  • COUNSEL: Providing unbiased policy consultation, expert testimony, and connections with education leaders and experts nationwide.
  • CONVENE: Bringing together education leaders within and across states for interaction, collaboration, and learning.

As a Steering Committee member, Dr. Roy will play an important role in facilitating two-way communication between Colorado and ECS. She will provide leadership among Colorado’s appointed Commissioner delegation and coordinate with ECS staff and key state education policy leaders. 

This appointment is a testament to Dr. Roy’s dedication and the CDEC’s commitment to advancing early childhood education. It will strengthen the focus on early childhood care and education within ECS’s national policy priorities and ensure that the foundational importance of early childhood is recognized across the country.

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