Policy & Advocacy

We are a leading voice for early childhood health and are passionate about the importance of our work on behalf of families and children, our communities, our state, and the nation. Learn more about our policy and advocacy work and how you can become involved.

Advocacy is Important to Us

We have a small window of opportunity to positively influence our youngest children’s growth, development, and learning. Public awareness of the importance of quality early childhood education is a central component of realizing change. We work to increase public awareness including working with our Colorado State Representatives and Senators.

Your voice is important in our effort to elevate quality for early childhood education professionals, families, and children.

Our Policy Framework

Advocacy is important to us! We want to share where we stand on issues that impact families, young children, and the professionals in our field. The first years of a child’s life set the foundation for her future success and we work diligently to ensure that there are effective policies in place. We advocate at the Capitol and build awareness of the importance of early childhood education year round. Here is our Policy Framework.

 

The Early Care and Education Map by Shift Research Lab, a Program of The Piton Foundation

The ECE Map leverages data from Denver’s seven-county metro region to show where quality, licensed early care and education resources are located relative to where young children live. This tool helps providers, funders, policymakers, and advocates better understand the existing landscape of early care and education services, and it can inform decision-making related to public and private sector investment.

Colorado’s General Assembly

Colorado General Assembly is comprised of 100 members including 35 Senators and 65 Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms, while Representatives serve two-year terms. All members are limited to serving for eight consecutive years in their chamber – four terms for Representatives and two terms for Senators. Session begins each year in January and concludes 120 days later in May.

Visit the Colorado General Assembly to find your legislator.

The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation

This acclaimed five-part documentary series by PBS is changing the conversation around early childhood. Along with the series, there are companion tools that illustrate how a strong start for all our children can lead to better individual outcomes and a healthier, safer, more prosperous, and equitable America. The series’ Signature Hour asks how we might make a strong start the birthright of every infant in the U.S. The four additional episodes dive in for a closer look. Will the U.S. invest in its youngest children and their families, or will it squander its own future? Learn more

Episode 1: The Signature Hour
Episode 2: Once Upon a Time
Episode 3: Are We Crazy About Our Kids
Episode 4: Wounded Places
Episode 5: DNA is Not Destiny