Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council

10/31/2026

Sharing from our partners at Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)

It is time to start thinking about 2027 Health Insurance! Join us for an informational webinar with Q&A to learn about available health insurance options. The virtual event will be Thursday, November 5th from 6 to 7 PM. We will cover what is changing in the Connect for Health Colorado health insurance marketplace, what type of financial help is available, and how to connect with free help from certified Connect for Health enrollment experts located throughout Colorado. Register today to receive a recording after the event.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WChW4WgUSQy6Lx3oJ29ldw #/registration

10/29/2026

Did you know the cost of childcare exceeds the cost of college in 28 states, including Colorado? The cost of full-time childcare for a toddler in Lake County is above $16,800 annually. And yet providers are struggling to make it.

To truly support families and Lake County's economy, we need:
More affordable childcare options so cost is not a barrier; Living wages for teachers so that we can grow/sustain our workforce; Stable and predictable funding for providers so they can plan for the future and create opportunities for childcare; Local solutions that meet the unique needs of our community; Startup support to help open more childcare centers

Visit the link to learn more about local solutions: https://lcbag.org/childcare-coalition/

10/22/2026

This!!!

Just fyi, quality early childhood education has long-lasting positive effects on children's cognitive, social and emotional development.

10/22/2026

Sharing from our partners at Colorado Department of Early Childhood

It is time to start thinking about 2027 Health Insurance! Join us for an informational webinar with Q&A to learn about available health insurance options. The virtual event will be Thursday, November 5th from 6 to 7 PM. We will cover what is changing in the Connect for Health Colorado health insurance marketplace, what type of financial help is available, and how to connect with free help from certified Connect for Health enrollment experts located throughout Colorado. Register today to receive a recording after the event.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WChW4WgUSQy6Lx3oJ29ldw #/registration

10/21/2026

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood reports the median hourly wage for an early childhood education, or ECE, lead teacher is $18.50, almost half of what a kindergarten teacher earns.

10/20/2026

CO families with children or dependents age 16 or younger can receive thousands of dollars in state tax money to help pay for food, housing, childcare and other household expenses.

Apply for free in less than 15 minutes at simplefilecolorado.org/cdhs. No income documents are required; available in English and Spanish.

10/20/2026

Licensed family child care home (FCCH) programs are a very unique caregiving and business model that is closely regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA). CAFCC would like to share some facts with the public to help with understanding of this licensed child care model that takes place in a person's residence.

Licensed child care providers must meet a set of requirements outlined by the state in order to operate. This includes having specific requirements for procedures including telephone service, disaster plans, child release, and sign in and out procedures.

In Colorado, licensed family child care homes must follow three (3) different rule sets: 2.100 General Rules for Child Care Facilities, 2.300 Rules Regulating Child Care Homes, and 2.600 Rules Regulating Special Activities. Staff members must meet requirements as stipulated in all three rule sets.

When looking for child care, licensing is an important factor to consider if not using trusted friends and family. Licensing has several factors built in to help protect children. Licenses are issued by property address AND will list the primary individual providing care. A licensed program will have its license easily displayed for others to see which will include the total number of children and ages a program is licensed for. Families should also view a program's licensing history on www.coloradoshines.com

Follow CAFCC to learn more "Licensed Family Child Care Home Facts" over the next few months.

10/20/2026

Early childhood educators are sounding the alarm at changes proposed by the Trump administration to loosen regulations on the industry, such as staff-to-child ratios. Advocates are on the edge of…

10/20/2026

lol

From toddler to T. rex! 🤣