Index: Education
Education - Early Childhood
Quick Data Links
What's New (updated 12/15/09)
According to Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2010 [pdf], Colorado's funding for the Colorado Preschool Program will increase 13% or an estimated $8.9 million in FY10. This increase reflects both a higher per-child funding level and will support in excess of 20,000 pre-k slots. (The PEW Center on the States, October 2009)
According to Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2010 [pdf], Colorado's funding for the Colorado Preschool Program will increase 13% or an estimated $8.9 million in FY10. This increase reflects both a higher per-child funding level and will support in excess of 20,000 pre-k slots. (The PEW Center on the States, October 2009)
What We Measured:
Children's Health:
Highlights:
- From 2005 to 2008, the average monthly number of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) cases increased nearly 2% while the average monthly payment to child care providers increased 25%. Beginning in January 2008, the Larimer County Department of Human Services reinstated the family income criteria to <185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines allowing for a 31% increase in the number of cases served by CCAP. (Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP))
- In 2000, 70.9% (4,384) of Larimer County’s three and four year olds were enrolled in a nursery school or preschool. (Enrollment - Preschool)
Children's Health:
- The greatest number of birth defects in Larimer County between 2002 and 2006 were due to heart anomalies. (Birth Defects)
- From 2002 through 2004 there were fewer female infant mortality deaths in Larimer County than males. That trend has changed beginning in 2005 with more female infant mortality deaths than male. (Infant Mortality)
- Larimer County has consistently had a lower percentage of low birth weight babies than Colorado. (Low Birthweight Babies)
Related Studies:
- Widening the Gap: The Potential Impact of Eliminating the Colorado Preschool Program [pdf], According to the 2009 Kidscount in Colorado! [pdf], reports that CPP is not protected by Amendment 23 and is vulnerable to reduction or elimination in poor budget years. This report discusses how children in Colorado would be affected by such cuts. (Colorado Children's Campaign)
- 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 21st 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 2008 [pdf], ranks Colorado 36th in the nation for state spending on preschool education. (National Institute for Early Education Research)
- Setting the Foundation [pdf] (March 2007) - This report explores the P-20 Educational System, which is designed to integrate learning from preschool through post-secondary education training.
- Six Principles in Early Childhood Education [pdf] (May 2007) - this report, published by the National Child Care Association, calls for a new public policy debate to create core public policy principles that will enhance the availability of early childhood educational opportunities for all children from birth to kindergarten.
- Proven Benefits of Early Childhood Interventions found that early childhood intervention programs yield benefits in academics, behavior, delinquency, and labor market success. (June 2006 - RAND Corporation, Karoly, Kilburn, and Cannon)
- Stair Steps to Quality: A Guide for States and Communities Developing Quality Rating Systems for Early Care and Education [pdf] (July 2005) - this is a "how-to guide" for early childhood development professionals, child care resource and referral staff, child advocates, business leaders, and elected officials to creating quality rating systems for early childhood education.
- The 2008 KIDS COUNT Data Book [pdf] - 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.
- Early Childhood Care and Education: Effects on Ethnic and Racial Gaps in School Readiness [pdf] - According to this report posted on The Future of Children website, substantial increases in Hispanic and black children's enrollment in preschool may decrease the current school readiness gaps.
- Economic Impact of the Early Care & Education Industry in Larimer County [pdf] - Prepared for the Larimer County Early Childhood Council by BBC Research & Consulting. This report presents a characterization of the Early Care and Education (ECE) industry in Larimer County, including employment and wage information, and the impact that this industry has on the local economy.
- 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:
- Larimer County 2003 - Child Care Assistance Program Eligibility Reduction
- Child Abuse
- Education: K-12
- Individual Economy: Food Stamps, TANF, Free/Reduced School Lunches
- Juvenile Crime: Arrests, Charges Filed, Probation
Additional Resources:
- Child Care Bureau - 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
- National Child Care Information Center - this United States Department of Health & Human Services website contains links to child care resources.
- National Institute on Early Childhood Development & Education
- Larimer County Child Care Resource and Referral - (The Early Childhood Council of Larimer County)
- Zero to Three - information on infants and toddlers.