The West Steps

EP 2: Conversations on early care and education in Colorado

November 30, 2021 Colorado Children's Campaign Episode 2
The West Steps
EP 2: Conversations on early care and education in Colorado
Show Notes

For parents of young children across Colorado, navigating the early childhood system is nothing short of exhausting. The fragmented programs that are often controlled by money and politics have repeatedly belittled the voices of concerned parents and providers for decades – perpetuating a system that fails kids in their most critical years of life. As the transition to the new state Department of Early Childhood continues, it is crucial that those involved in the implementation and planning process elevate community voice- especially the voice of parents and caregivers. In doing so, we can ensure the new state department lifts early childhood to the importance it deserves, fully allowing kids the chance to thrive. 

Welcome back to our miniseries highlighting the transition to the new Department of Early Childhood.  In episode 2, we are joined by Melissa Mares, Early Childhood Policy Fellow at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, and Janelle Jenkins, Parent Ambassador at Clayton Early Learning Center. Both Melissa and Janelle share their concerns, hopes, and personal experiences with the early care and education system in Colorado- providing first-hand insight toward their involvement in the transition process. As passionate advocates, Melissa and Janelle emphasize the need to transition to an early childhood system that prioritizes dignity, respect, and cares for parents and providers. By putting them first, we can ensure they are fully prepared to care for our kids in the best way possible.

As the transition to the new Department of Early Childhood continues, the Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC) continues to host engagement opportunities that uplift community voices. Click here to learn more about how you can stay plugged into this exciting work. 

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