ECEA Issues Measured Response to Federal Inquiry on Child Care Funding

Early Childhood Education Association (ECEA) Press Statement Denver, Colorado January 9, 2026

The Early Childhood Education Association (ECEA), Colorado’s leading voice for early childhood programs and families, today urged a calm and deliberate approach as the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) addresses a federal request for additional justification of child care funding expenditures.

ECEA is closely monitoring the situation and working collaboratively with state partners to ensure that any response protects the significant progress made in recent years toward accessible, high-quality, and affordable early childhood education across Colorado.

“We are committed to maintaining the positive outcomes we have achieved together for child care children, families, and providers,” said ECEA Executive Director Dawn Alexander.  “A thoughtful, metered response is essential to preserve the systems and processes that have strengthened our state’s early childhood infrastructure.”

The association emphasized unity within the sector. “Together, we are a strong industry, and together we will continue to thrive,” the statement continued. ECEA also reaffirmed its readiness to advocate vigorously at the state and federal levels if established systems face undue political pressure.

At this time, though the situation is highly concerning, there is no cause for alarm among providers, educators, or families. ECEA will continue to gather accurate information and will issue targeted action alerts only when concrete engagement from the community is needed to protect Colorado’s early childhood programs.  We have a unique set of advocacy strategies to ensure ongoing funding support for programs but will not launch into that until a date we are working hard to pin down for later this month.... if federal funding is not released prior to that date or legal action does not resolve the issue.

“We appreciate the dedication of our members and partners during this process,” the statement concluded. “By staying informed and united, we will navigate this inquiry while keeping the focus where it belongs—on the children and families we serve every day.”

For media inquiries, contact ECEA Communications at [email protected].

About ECEA The Early Childhood Education Association is Colorado’s statewide trade association representing early childhood professionals, child care centers, family child care homes, and advocates dedicated to advancing quality early learning opportunities for all children.

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ECEA Members Minute (click here)

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