GREAT NEWS!
CDEC is going to extend the affidavit process for the credential. They will be sending out a communication regarding the extension soon.
They are currently processing credentials that were submitted two months ago. They have staff hired and trained who will be working to support your business with this function. Thank you CDEC for the GREAT News!!
DATA SPEAKS
Capacity for closed homes is a result of a data cleanup for anything listed over a capacity of 12. We are unable to determine if other data cleanup is needed because it’s not obvious on the state list.
Initial data set that we had did not indicate if programs were public school programs or not. In the future we will have that data for our monthly comparison.
We will do our best to find reasons for closures. It is our belief that programs that are thriving and highly successful do not close. They sell. Likewise, anyone that “finds another opportunity” generally does not choose to change their jobs unless they have a significant degree of dissatisfaction. We would love to hear if you think differently!
The good news? There is an increase in Capacity Statewide.
The tide appears to be turning! More Homes opened in the past 9 months than closed.
The bad news? We lost 4,719 child care spaces were lost over the last 9 months. Note: We do not have data to compare this to for previous years, we are just calling out the loss of that capacity.
Draft of non-regulatory guidance for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). That program is the ONLY funding stream established in 1994 to support academic enrichment, health and wellness activities, and additional services to school-age children in after- and before- school programs, as well as summer learning programs in every state. See the federal recommendations here
Interested partners and stakeholders, including CCR&Rs, are offered an opportunity to weigh in on the updated non-regulatory guidance by June 16, 2023, by emailing comments to OESE.feedback@ed.gov.
The Neighborhood Play School
Wildflower Nature School
No one can go it alone in this industry! Our members understand how critical it is to have a voice in policy meetings FOR YOU! They provide input and feedback that informs the discussions that are taking place while you run your business. The reality is...we wouldn't be here without them. Receiving this email doesn't mean you are a member...our members provide that to you for FREE.
If you want to be able to say that you make a difference for our industry, we need you to JOIN NOW! Our annual fees are reasonable and ensure that the discussions that need to happen are happening for you!
Large Center License: $250
Small Center License: $200
Family Child Care Home: $50
School Aged Program: $60
Only YOU can strengthen the voice of Child Care Businesses Statewide!
Join NOW: www.coloradoecea.org/membership
TEACH Colorado is delighted to announce we have extended the career stipend to anyone beginning an early childhood teacher qualification pathway. Of the 200 stipend recipients, three people will be selected for a $1,000 qualification scholarship. The deadline to apply is June 18! For more information and sample email, social media, and website text, see the promotional toolkit here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19nCz8N_4Y5JGbhrd8VCzacYMjuiA_K_0sE1Q7QvIU1I/edit
Other Scholarships/Programs through ECCLA:
The Back to Work: ECE Scholarship Program is available to help provide education and training for your next job in the early childhood field! Eligible participants have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, meet income guidelines, and are able to complete an undergraduate degree or certificate in early childhood education by June 30, 2024.
The Early Childhood Coach Credential Scholarship is available to help recipients complete the training requirements to earn a Colorado Coach Credential. Eligible participants are Colorado residents, work or are seeking employment in ECE, are registered in PDIS, and holds or will apply for an Early Childhood Professional Credential and earns a Level III or higher.
The Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship Program is for high school students interested in earning college credits and experience in Early Childhood Education. It is intended to help students transition successfully into the field with the support, knowledge, and credentials needed to obtain employment and perform their roles with confidence.
The Rural Reskilling, Upskilling, Next-skilling (R.U.N.) Scholarship Program provides career counseling and tuition support to early childhood professionals in rural communities seeking to reskill, upskill, or next-skill.
Details for all of these can be found at:
https://ecclacolorado.org/scholarshipsandgrants/
How to Hire and Retain Staff 6/9/23 - 1-2:30 p.m.
Hear from our panel of presenters on effective ways to hire appropriate people for your child care business. We will touch on retention but the bulk of that will be in the next ECEA panel discussion!
Link to register (members only): https://www.coloradoecea.org/book-online (click book now and then click next availability button)
New Employee Compliance Training 6/13/23 9-11 a.m. Free under CIRCLE
New Employee Compliance Training 6/29/23 9-11 a.m. (last time free under CIRCLE)
Get your new staff started with actual understanding of child care regulations and how to apply them in their classrooms.
Link to register (members only): https://www.coloradoecea.org/book-online (click book now and then click next availability button)
Members ONLY UPK discussion with the Board of Directors 6/13/23 7-8:30 p.m.
Come talk to our board about your experiences and expectations. We want to hear about policy options that will ensure we maintain a mixed delivery system in Colorado!
Link to register (members only): https://www.coloradoecea.org/book-online?category=a16c0843-2947-473e-bfd2-04f832a677a9 (click book now and then click next availability button)
Child Care Beginnings 8-Noon on 6/15/23 & 6/25/23 (last time free under CIRCLE)
Everything you need to know to open and operate a child care business! New Director's, this is a great way to get the foundational knowledge that you need for your job!
Link to register: https://www.coloradoecea.org/book-online?category=56f52cc7-da66-4516-a18a-3825a9f97ac7 (click book now and then click next availability button)
Report Link: https://nwlc.org/resource/the-child-care-and-early-learning-workforce-is-underpaid-and-women-are-paying-the-price/