Mission
Our mission is to work collaboratively to improve the quality of health, safety, and wellness in early childhood programs across Colorado by improving the everyday practice of professionals, and by building safe, supportive environments.
People & Places
We promote and support best practices by providing grants, professional development, technical assistance, and advocacy.
We collaborate with national, state, and local entities to meet the needs of the people and places serving our youngest children. Our focus on improving health, safety, and wellness in early childhood settings and systems is what ignites our passion for this incredibly important work.
building healthy futures
Child Care Health Consultation
- Health Hub
- Professional Registry
- Resource Center
- Forum
- Marketing tools
- Professional Development
- Competencies
- Technical Assistance
- State Huddles
- Mentoring Cohorts
- Leadership Committee
Early Childhood Programs
- Grants
- Professional Development
- Resource Center
- Technical Assistance
- Job Board
- Training Calendar
- Find a CCHC or Trainer
- Tooth Healthy Text
policy & advocacy
- Actively participate in coalitions and educate policymakers
- Share expertise and catalyze “BIG P” and “little p” policy changes
- Empower champions to make policy and practice changes
History
Healthy Child Care Colorado arose out of the Healthy Child Care America initiative that began in the 1990s with support from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration; the Child Care Bureau, Administration for Children and Families; the American Academy of Pediatrics; and the American Public Health Association. These partners recognized the potential to positively impact the health and safety of children in early childhood settings throughout the country.
Colorado stakeholders recognized the importance of collaboration, so the Colorado Children’s Hospital, the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Colorado Office of Resource and Referral Agencies worked together to establish Healthy Child Care Colorado. These founding organizations remain active members on the steering committee.
Why Early childhood Matters
$1 now saves
$9 later
Every dollar invested in quality early childhood education saves $9 in future costs for reading intervention, juvenile justice, and social services.
Limited access to high quality early childhood means low income and at-risk children are behind
12-14 months
At-risk and vulnerable children in quality early childhood education programs are
2 times
more likely to attend college