Grandparents as Caregivers

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild or know someone who is?

This free 6-week course, offered by CSU San Luis Valley Area Extension and SLV Behavioral Health, is designed to provide practical tools, support, and guidance to help caregivers navigate the unique challenges of raising a second generation.

Participants will gain helpful parenting strategies, learn ways to support their grandchildren’s health and success, and connect with others in similar situations. With dinner and childcare provided at no cost, this program removes barriers so you can focus on building confidence, strengthening family relationships, and finding the support you deserve.

Your Story Matters - Share It Today

Have you or your family been impacted by an early childhood program in Colorado? Your story matters. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is inviting families, providers, and community partners to share their experiences and help highlight the real impact these programs have across our state.

Whether it’s a moment of growth, support, or success, your voice can inspire others and show the power of community.

Click below to share your story, they would love to hear from you!

Share your story!

Coaching

Individualizing Transitions

Young infants determine their own schedules. Working together with families, group care should attempt to match the home routine. Pay close attention to each baby’s cues, and respond when they are hungry, tired, bored, or wet. You probably already do this—especially when it comes to diapers. Although there are certain requirements that diapers be changed every two hours, if a child needs a new diaper after an hour, of course you would change it!



When each child’s schedule is individualized, it is much easier to meet the needs of children within a group care situation. Imagine how would you feel if your day was that full of other people telling you to stop activities you are enjoying, or eat when you weren’t hungry? It’s no wonder that transitions can be a difficult time of day for infants, toddlers, families, and caregivers. Just think—every time you ask a 2-year-old to do something, it gives them the opportunity to say their favorite word: “No!”

Whether you work with young children on home visits, in your own home, or in a center, here are some ways to individualize transitions:

• Give infants warning when things are about to change. Even a very young infant may feel more comfortable if someone gets on their level and says, “Are you ready for a clean diaper?” instead of swooping down to lift them to the changing table. If children say “no” or indicate that they are not ready, let them know that they have a few more minutes to play and then it will be time for a new diaper.
• Give toddlers a few minutes’ notice before it is time to change activities. Take a moment to let toddlers know, “You have five more minutes to play so finish up what you are doing.” Then, “You have two minutes left to play; we’re just about to clean up.” Even before they have a real sense of time, these warnings will prepare toddlers for transitions and leave them more likely to cooperate.
• For children who need a little extra help around transitions try getting down to their level, make sure you have their attention, and let them know it will be time to move on to something else soon.
• Create a signal that engages children, such as clapping your hands in a rhythm that they can join. Use that signal to let them know it’s time to move to a new activity in a fun, positive manner.
• When possible, provide them with an acceptable option. You might say, “Do you want to put the toys on the shelf or in this basket?"

Reducing the amount of time young children are expected to wait for food, activities, or even in a line to wash hands will make these transitions much smoother. Infants and toddlers are still learning about being patient, and you can help. If a child is calmly sitting at the table before lunch, mention that they are being, “so patient.” That way, the next time you ask that child to be patient, she’ll know just what you mean!

Sometimes waiting just cannot be avoided. Maybe the kids are dressed and ready to go outside but another group is still straggling. When these situations come up, be prepared with a few songs and fingerplays to keep children engaged while they wait. This will be much more fun and effective than asking such young children to stand patiently in a line.

Transitions can be some of the most frustrating times of the day for families, caregivers, and especially very young children. They rely on you to provide a sense of safety and continuity as their environment, caregivers, and activities change. When adults provide as much stability as possible, along with intentional planning, children will be better able to cope with life’s little and big transitions.

Do you have a baby or toddler at home?

If your child is between 12 months and 3 years old, your family may qualify for FREE Early Head Start services right here in Alamosa County.

We’re here to support local families with:

• Safe, nurturing early learning

• Developmental support for your child

• Resources and encouragement for families

• No cost for qualifying families

We currently have a few openings available and would love to connect with you.

Call Alex or Erica at 719-937-4010

Or click the button below to fill out the interest form and we’ll reach out to you.



You don’t have to figure it out alone, we’re here to help!

Early Childhood Mental Health

Immediate Update-FCCH

Fingerprinting Code Change

For License Family Child Care Home Providers!

Effective immediately, please discontinue using the following outdated CBI unique codes for fingerprinting

• CONCJ1705
• 1705CDLI

The new code to use is

• CONCJ8766 OR 8766DCLI

For any currently scheduled fingerprint appointments, please request the appointment location to use the newly provided code CONCJ8766 OR 8766DCLI. If you have any questions, please contact the Criminal Background Check Team at 303-866-5043.

Professional Development  

Scholarships Available for Early Childhood Professionals!

Are you currently working in early childhood education or pursuing a career in the field? Great news—scholarship opportunities are available to help you continue your education and professional growth!

These scholarships can support coursework, credential programs, and degree pathways designed to strengthen the early childhood workforce.

Investing in your education not only benefits your career but also enhances the quality of care and learning experiences for young children in our community.

For those interested, please reach out to Lcoresource@eccslv.org for local scholarship information.

For those working towards their master's or doctorate in Early Childhood take a look at this scholarship from The Denver Foundation. 

Stay Updated on Local Resources

This time of year, there are lots of community supports and opportunities popping up and we know it can be hard to keep track of them all.

While our newsletter goes out once a month, we often come across helpful resources online that we share on our Facebook page to keep things streamlined and easy to find.

Follow us here to stay informed!

https://www.facebook.com/eccslv