August 2026

BIG NEWS! Colorado is officially the #1 State for Education!

We are thrilled to share that Colorado has been ranked the #1 State for Education in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, rising from the No. 3 spot in 2025!

CDEC is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Governor Jared Polis, the Commissioner of Education Dr. Susana Córdova, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Strong education starts long before kindergarten, and this achievement belongs to our dedicated families, early educators, and communities across the state.

"This honor belongs to the families, educators, providers, and communities across our state who work every day to give children the strongest possible start. Together, we're building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive." — Dr. Lisa Roy, CDEC Executive Director

Thank you to everyone working every day to set our youngest learners up for lifelong success! https://www.usnews.com/.../colorado-tops-u-s-news...


Congratulations to all the teachers and staff in the education field that make something like this possible!


Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT)


Great News!



The Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley EQIT Team is pleased to announce the upcoming EQIT Fall 2026 Course.


The course will be held virtually, and a sneak peek at the schedule is available here.  


Registration will be available through the Professional Development Information System (PDIS) beginning July 1, 2026.  


If you have questions or need more information, please contact Tina Esquibel at

719-937-4010 or itquality@eccslv.org


JOB OPPURTUNITY!


Children's Garden in Alamosa is hiring !

JOB OPPURTUNITY!


The Early Childhood Council is Alamosa is hiring !

The Early Childhood Council of the San Lus Valley is seeking a fulltime Mental Health (ECMH) Consultant. The Colorado Nurturing Connections Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program supports and aligns with the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation stance on equity, which works to reduce disparities based on race, ethnicity, language, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status, and recognizes the central role that race has played historically in contributing to persistent inequities. Consultants serve as a resource for professionals and families. They do this by increasing the knowledge, skills, and resources of adults, which builds their capacity to support the development of young children’s social and emotional development in settings where children learn and grow. Consultants can also partner with adults to develop approaches to support individual children, including those who may be having a difficult time adjusting in their care setting. By engaging in this relationship-centered work, ECMH consultants promote equity and reduce disparities in access to resources and positive outcomes for young children and their families at a critical moment in child development. This position offers an annual salary ranging from $47,574 - $50,571, a generous paid time off benefit, flexible work schedule, employee paid dental and vision, and retirement. No health insurance benefit

Qualified applicants must meet the following position requirements:

Hold a master’s degree in a license-eligible mental health field such as social work, psychology or related field with a focus or experience in early childhood development. Consultants must have, at a minimum, expertise in the following areas: adult and child mental health theory, practice, and services; early childhood, child development, and family systems; circumstances that affect children’s behavior and mental health; developmental science and milestones; consultative model of practice; and available services to children and families to alleviate family stress.

Be endorsed, working towards endorsement or have a plan in place to begin the process to achieve the Endorsement for Culturally-Sensitive, Relationship Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health® and/or Early Childhood Mental Health®, which is issued through the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health (CoAIMH) or other Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health state association.

Have received the following trainings/certifications or have a plan in place for when and how these trainings/certifications will be completed:

a)   Climate of Healthy Interactions for Learning & Development (CHILD)

Assessment, including

b)  The CHILD Infant/Toddler (I/T) Addendum Training,

c)   Devereux Early Childhood Assessment-Clinical (DECA-C) Assessment,

d)   DC: 0-5 Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental

Disorders of Infancy and

e)   Early Childhood Training, and

f)    Mandated Reporter Training

Please send resume and cover letter to outreach@eccslv.org Posting will close 8/14/2026


Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC)


Summer often brings changes in routines, caregivers, vacations, and daily schedules. While these changes can be exciting, they may also increase stress for young children. Maintaining predictable routines and preparing children for transitions can help them feel safe, supported, and emotionally secure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend establishing consistent routines, talking with children about upcoming changes, and providing opportunities for them to express their feelings. These simple strategies help promote resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy development.

Additional ways families and providers can support children include:

·         Maintain regular sleep and meal schedules whenever possible.

·         Give children advance notice before changes in routines or activities.

·         Encourage children to identify and talk about their feelings.

·         Read books about change and transitions.

·         Offer reassurance, patience, and extra opportunities for connection through play and conversation.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Positive Parenting Tips. https://www.cdc.gov/parenting/

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Serve and Return Interaction Shapes Brain Circuitry. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/


We're excited to kick off a new Aim4Excellence™ cohort in partnership with the Early Childhood Council SLV

(San Luis Valley) This group of early childhood directors, assistant directors, and aspiring leaders in San Luis Valley, Colorado, has begun their Aim4Excellence journey and will spend the coming months strengthening their leadership skills, building effective management strategies, and growing their capacity to lead high-quality early childhood programs. We can't wait to see the connections, growth, and impact this incredible group of leaders will make in their programs and communities. Interested in bringing an Aim4Excellence cohort to your community or organization?

Contact us!

Contact us: https://www.mccormickinstitute.nl.edu/contact

Learn more about Aim4Excellence: https://www.mccormickinstitute.nl.edu/aim4excellence


Are you in need of trusted, high-quality childcare?


Our licensed Family Child Care Home Providers are now accepting new enrollments!


✅ Small group settings

✅ Individualized attention

✅ Safe, nurturing environments

✅ Flexible availability


We currently have multiple openings in:

  • Rio Grande County
  • Alamosa County
  • Conejos County


Let us connect you with a provider who fits your family's needs!

Contact Amanda Atencio at ecresource@ecclsv.org

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