Colorado is at a turning point. Due to the passage of House Bill 1304 Early Childhood System, the state is embarking on a journey to redesign how the state structures early childhood programming by creating a new state Department of Early Childhood, effective July 1, 2022. Over the course of the next year, the Early Childhood Leadership Commission will be developing and approving a transition plan–with input from families and professionals across the state. There is no bigger opportunity for Coloradans to inform systems alignment for family well-being for families with young children–which is why I’m humbled and honored to be named to the Early Childhood Transition Advisory Group.
As a member of the Early Childhood Transition Advisory Group, I’ll be bringing both Illuminate Colorado’s research-informed family strengthening perspective to the process as well as my experience as a mom of three. Our systems will work better for Colorado families when they are built by Colorado families.
Healthy brain development is a building process that begins before we are born. The interaction of genes and experiences shapes the developing brain and relationships are the active ingredient in this serve and return process. Cognitive, emotional and social capacities are intertwined, and learning, behavior and physical and mental health are interrelated over the course of our lives. Supporting positive experiences and loving relationships create a strong foundation that helps ensure that a child builds the skills necessary for a lifetime of well-being.
With a holistic, strengths-based perspective, we can strengthen families by building on what’s working while transforming what isn’t. As I engage in the process, the following will be top of mind:
What the research has shown about the five Protective Factors that have the power to prevent and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
The ideas and perspectives voiced through the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families.
Bold, broad, and universal approaches to supporting family formation and expansion–including home visiting and programs that facilitate social connections for new parents.
Our unique opportunities for proactive community-based support for families impacted by substance use.
Considerations for expanding accessibility and affordability of child care and early childhood education for all families with young children.
Join me in shaping Colorado’s early childhood landscape.
ADD YOUR VOICE to the process by participating in one of the many Early Childhood Transition Planning’s engagement opportunities.
SIGN UP for regular updates on the Department of Early Childhood Transition Planning and Universal Preschool Recommendations process.
