Quality Initiatives

The CDHS Division of Child Care Quality Initiatives program funds the development and implementation of programs that support the growth of an early childhood system in Colorado.   Ultimately, this early childhood system will result in sustainable increases in the quality of care for children.

The Quality Initiatives program invests in systems-based approaches that build sustainable high quality child care practice and infrastructure in local communities; primarily through local Early Childhood Councils.  Colorado’s 30 Early Childhood Councils strategically develop and implement early childhood programs and services in their communities. The work of the Early Childhood Councils supports high quality practices that are intended to assist families and early childhood professionals prepare children for school and life. 
 

The Quality Initiatives program also actively collaborates with, and provides funding to, other programs that support the ongoing development of a sustainable early childhood system in Colorado; encouraging partnerships and investment across and between state-level and local partners in the four early childhood domains of health, mental health, family support and early care and education.  Broad, sustained involvement by a variety of local early childhood stakeholders strengthens providers' ties to the community and can heighten community and consumer awareness of the components of high quality early childhood practice.
 

CURRENT PROGRAMS
 

For State Fiscal Year 2011, current funding includes the following:

School Readiness Quality Improvement Program 

Early Childhood Councils

Early Childhood Councils Directory

Expanding Quality in Infant/Toddler Care

Qualistar Colorado
Child Care Resource and Referral Services

T.E.A.C.H Scholarships

Colorado Office of Professional Development

The Colorado Center for Social Emotional Competence and Inclusion
 

Other Helpful Links:

Colorado Department of Education – Early Childhood Initiatives

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Child, Adolescent, and School Health Unit

The Qualistar Rating