Education - Early Childhood

Index: Education

Children's Health:

From 2003 to 2012, the average monthly number of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) cases, or families helped, decreased 16%. Beginning in January 2012, the Larimer County Department of Human Services announced there was no longer a waiting list for this program. (Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP))
In 2011, approximately 51.3% of Larimer County 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in nursery school or preschool compared to 47.4% in the United States and 49.7% in Colorado. (Enrollment - Preschool)

Children's Health:

From 2005 to 2009, the most prevalent birth defects among Larimer County infants included heart defects, genital/urinary defects, and muscular/skeletal defects. (Birth Defects)
In 8 of the last 10 years, the infant mortality rate (IM) in Larimer County has been less than or equal to the state's IMR. (Infant Mortality)
In 2010, Larimer County 271 low birthweight babies (5.8 lbs or less) and 37 very low birthweight babies (3.4 lbs or less) were born. Larimer County continues to have consistently lower percentages of low birthweight babies than Colorado and the nation. (Low Birthweight Babies)

2012 Kids Count - this report, released by Colorado Children's Campaign, discusses the effects of the Great Recession on the children of Colorado.
The State of Children and Youth in Larimer County (July 2009) [pdf], this report, prepared by Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County, offers a snapshot of how children and youth in Larimer County are doing at the beginning of the 21^st century.
Math and Science in Preschool: Policies and Practice (March 2009) [pdf], addresses the development of mathematics and science understanding in preschool children, including recommendations for early education in these areas. (National Institute for Early Education Research)
The State of Preschool ranks Colorado 36th in the nation in 2011 for state spending on preschool education. (National Institute for Early Education Research)
The 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book - this annual report, released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, reports on national trends in child well-being. In addition to the report, customized graphs, maps, ranked lists, and state profiles can be generated through the online KIDS COUNT Data Center.
NICHHD Study of Early Child Care & Youth Development - this study, supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, examines how variations in child care relate to children's development.

Related issues within COMPASS:

Office of Child Care - this Department of Health & Human Services website contains datasets, grant announcements, and information on the federal Child Care and Development Fund.
Colorado Department of Human Services: Division of Child Care
Early Childhood Council (ECC) of Larimer County
Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County (HCC) - is a broad-based coalition of nonprofit, business, government and citizen leaders focused on improving the health and well-being of Larimer County residents.
Larimer County Child Care Resource and Referral - (The Early Childhood Council of Larimer County)
Larimer County Health Department - information on immunizations.
Larimer County Human Services Department - information on basic assistance programs, including the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Child Care Association
Zero to Three - information on infants and toddlers.