Upon taking office in January 2007, Governor Ritter asked Lieutenant Governor O'Brien to assume leadership for early childhood issues.  A stronger, better, higher quality system of early childhood services and programs is one of the legacies they want their administration to leave.  Colorado has a long history of partnerships that support early childhood work in this state.  Over the past two decades, momentum has grown for Colorado to increase access to, and improve the quality of, programs and services that serve young children and their families.  Under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, there are explicit efforts to build and link systems that will guarantee our early childhood work has long lasting impacts at the state and local levels. Current early childhood efforts include:

P-3 Sub-committee of Governor Ritter's P-20 Education Coordinating Council

This sub-committee focuses on the earliest years of the education continuum, beginning with the years before children enter school (Pre-school) and extending through 3rd grade, transcending the traditional boundaries of early care and education (ECE) and elementary school. P-3 also includes the important K-3 primary school years.

Staff contact:  Kristie Kauerz ( Kristie.Kauerz@state.co.us)

The intent of the Head Start-State Collaboration Office (HSSCO) is to facilitate Head Start's involvement in the development of state policies and plans that affect low-income families, as well as to encourage Head Start agencies to collaborate with entities at the state level.  The HSSCO serves as a state liaison between the Head Start Regional Office and the local Head Start grantees.

Staff contact:   Darcy Allen-Young ( Darcy.Allen-Young@state.co.us)

Smart Start Colorado

Smart Start Colorado was launched in 2005 to provide a framework for a comprehensive system of early childhood in Colorado.  Smart Start convenes key stakeholders including state and local early childhood councils, agencies, organizations and associations, bringing them together to create a better system of early childhood supports and services for children birth to age eight and their families.

Staff contact:  Jodi Hardin ( Jodi.Hardin@state.co.us)