Denver's Early Childhood Council

06/16/2026

Free Colorado IEP Parent Training!

Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 are invited to attend a free, in person Individualized Education Program (IEP) Parent Training hosted by the Colorado Department of Education's Dispute Prevention and Assisted Resolution Team. Participants will learn about the special education process, parent rights, and strategies for effectively participating in educational planning for their child.

The training will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 9am-3pm. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required.

Learn more and register: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019e851054c076488ecd5acd3a60ddb4
Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 are invited to attend a free, in-person Individualized Education Program (IEP) Parent Training hosted by the Colorado Department of Education's Dispute Prevention and Assisted Resolution Team. Participants will learn about the special education process, parent rights, and strategies for effectively participating in educational planning for their child.

06/13/2026

The cost of infant-toddler care is a significant concern for many families across the country. Here are the top five reasons why child care is so expensive.

06/11/2026

School may be out for the summer, but access to nutritious meals doesn't have to be.

Through 2-1-1 Colorado, families can find free Summer Food Service Program sites across the state. Parks, libraries, nonprofits, and other community locations offer free meals and snacks to children and teens ages 18 and under throughout the summer. Most sites require no application or proof of income.

Find a free summer meal site near you: https://search.211colorado.org/search?terms=summer%2Bfood%2Bservice%2Bprograms&page=1&location=colorado&service_area=colorado

06/10/2026

Why Pride Matters in Early Childhood Education

Pride isn’t about politics, it’s about belonging, safety, and representation in early learning spaces. When young children see their family reflected in the stories we read, the language we use, and the classroom displays we create, they build a powerful sense of self and community.

From saying “grown-up” instead of “mom and dad,” to welcoming diverse family structures with inclusive event names like “Bagels with a Buddy,” developmentally appropriate practice means showing all children and families they matter.
Including Pride in early childhood settings supports LGBTQ+ families and single-parent households, foster families, and blended families too. When we foster inclusion, we strengthen children’s mental health, social-emotional learning, and lifelong confidence.

Let’s build learning environments where every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated. Because representation = belonging = a lifeline.

06/08/2026

Join the DPP Featured Teacher Series, Foundations of Social and Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood. This free, three-part training will help early care and learning professionals deepen their understanding of social-emotional development and gain practical strategies to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and relationship-building in young children.
Participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms and programs. Register now to reserve your spot.

Part one takes place TONIGHT, 6/8 at 6pm. Register here:

Denver training for early childhood professionals on building social and emotional skills in young children.

06/05/2026

On May 28th, CDEC adopted a UPK rule change that will take effect July 1, 2026.

The new rule reduces classroom ratios for 3- and 4-year-olds from 1:12 to 1:11 and lowers maximum group size from 24 to 22 children. During public comment, providers and charter schools raised concerns about the potential financial impact on programs.

CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy shared that an emergency rule review could be considered in the future as impacts are evaluated. We encourage ECE professionals and community partners to stay informed as additional guidance becomes available.

06/02/2026

What helps children thrive? Stability.

In the latest episode of The Brain Architects podcast, experts discuss how consistent relationships, routines, and supportive environments shape children’s brain development, stress responses, and long-term well-being.

The conversation also explores practical ways caregivers, communities, and systems can help create stable environments where children and families can thrive.

Listen here:

Join a discussion exploring how stability in children’s developmental environments influences their health and development.

05/29/2026

We can't wait to see you next year!

Still thinking about ? So are we.

The conversations, connections, and inspiration from this year’s conference are still carrying us forward, and we’re already looking ahead to .

Registration opens before the end of June, and early bird registration is the best way to secure your spot at the lowest rate. Join our email list to be the first to hear about registration, keynote speakers, conference updates, and exciting announcements for next year.

We can’t wait to learn, connect, and grow together again.

Join our email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HIJiGfj?source_id=c92f61b0-25ac-497d-a05f-ab61ead49a66&source_type=em&c=B1S7uU-7kdopeVvyPbhMEgW_82lUP-lowiPmK_WksXD07ndHf5lDuw==

05/27/2026

Join the Colorado Children's Campaign on June 10 for the release of the 2026 KIDS COUNT in Colorado Report, an annual snapshot of the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the well-being of children across our state.

Attend in person or virtually to explore the latest data on child health, education, economic security, and family well-being, and learn how these insights can inform policy, practice, and community action.

Space for the in-person event is limited and includes a light breakfast, so early registration is encouraged.

Be part of the conversation and help build a stronger future for Colorado’s children and families.

Register and learn more: https://coloradokids.org/kids-count-in-colorado/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the service members who lost their lives while serving our country.

As we spend time with family, friends, and loved ones, we also recognize the sacrifices made by military families and communities across generations.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we take a moment to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for those who gave their lives in service.