Preparing Weld County children for the future

April 2022 | Early Childhood Advocate Updates

90% of a child’s intellect is formed before the age of five. Not everyone knows this important statistic or how critical early childhood experiences shape who children are as adults. Read more about HB22-1295 below on how the state proposes a new Department of Early Childhood to address the need for funding systems to better create opportunities for Colorado’s children.

The new Department of Early Childhood, proposed in HB22-1295 (Sirota & Garnet/Buckner & Fenberg), was introduced on March 17. This bill establishes the functions of the Department of Early Childhood, as well as the director of the department, in administering early childhood and family support programs. It authorizes the director to promote the rules for the department and its programs. In addition, the bill directs the department to obtain applications from organizations and public entities to serve as local coordinating organizations across the state. Effective July 1, 2022, the bill transfers responsibilities concerning early childhood workforce development to the department. The bill creates the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, which will provide 10 hours per week of preschool services for children in the year before kindergarten, effective July 1, 2023.

For ways you can engage or learn more use the below links.

Keep families, providers, and community partners up-to-date on this fast moving legislation by encouraging them to sign up for the weekly Better Beginnings advocacy newsletter.
Information about who to contact to join the committee work: Policy Committee, Government Affairs, Communications, Advocacy & Community Engagement.

Stay Healthy,

Sheri L. Hannah-Ruh

Director or Early Childhood Initiatives

Community Innovation and Resilience for Care and Learning Equity (CIRCLE) Grant program
Reading a Baby’s Cues
Early Childhood Mental Health Support Line for parents, providers and professionals who work with young children. To connect with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, fill out the online form or call the ECMH Support Line at (833) ECMH411 Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to speak directly to a consultant.

ChildCare4Weld.org has launched!

Weld County’s Early Childhood Council at United Way of Weld County is excited to announce the launch of the ChildCare4Weld.org licensed child care provider online search tool.

All Weld County families can now search for available licensed care for all age groups including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and K-12. Providers within the community have published their profiles with robust program information including available spots for their various age groups.

Childcare4weld.org

Free Screening of No Small Matters at the Kress

Did you know that 85% of a person’s intellect, personality, and social skills are developed in the first three years of life? When a child lacks an engaging, loving environment or caregivers the experience can be “toxic” and rewire the child’s brain with outcomes that last a lifetime.

Come join a screening of No Small Matters at the Kress Theatre in downtown Greeley, April 20, at 6 p.m. Admission is free thanks to Centennial BOCES, Migrant Education Program of Colorado and Weld County’s Early Childhood Council.

Join United Way of Weld County for a fun-filled day celebrating early learning, young children, their families, and communities. FREE family activities, hands-on arts and crafts, health and safety information, and other opportunities for parents to connect with community resources for their children’s growth! Food, books, and other great items available to purchase AND every child leaves with a new book!

April 9, 2022

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

***NEW LOCATION***

Greeley Recreation Center & DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Greeley

Find Out More

Have a job opportunity?

Post it on the new

ECE Job Board

File Your Taxes with MyFreeTaxes.com

MyFreeTaxes.com® helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way is committed to ensuring that you can easily and accurately file your taxes and get the refunds and credits you deserve. It provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them.

Since 2009, United Way has helped some 1.3 million people nationwide save $260 million in filing fees, and bring back more than $2 billion in refunds to local communities. And this year MyFreeTaxes is available in English and Spanish. Go to MyFreeTaxes.com® to file your taxes.

Even if you earn little to no income or make quite a bit, when filing your taxes you could receive up to $3,600 through the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or up to $6,700 with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

That extra money can help 1548097 you pay for groceries, clothes, child care, get ahead on your rent or bills, or start a savings account or a college fund for your kids.

Learn more about how tax credits give families and working people a big boost at www.GetAheadColorado.org.