We have compiled some helpful resources as you get oriented.
While there are many links to other organizations, funding, professional development etc… please reach out to anyone at the Council with question or support needs.
Congratulations on your new childcare license!
We wanted to tale this opportunity to introduce you to the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council, what we do, and let you know about the resources and supports we provide to childcare providers like you! The Council (RMECC) was established “for the purpose of developing and ultimately implementing a comprehensive system of early childhood services to ensure the school readiness of children five years of age or younger in the community.” RMECC is one of 35 councils in Colorado, and we are here to help connect you with resources, professional development, and funding. We also help connect families to childcare, resources, and screenings.
This page is to help you become familiar with all if the wonderful tools and resources the Council can offer as well as important contacts, links, and information. We look forward to working together!
RMECC Staff
We’re here to help!
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Stacy Petty
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Kristin Sparkman
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Cindy Rivas
Wondering where to start?
Resources are available through a multitude of resources through the Council, local organizations, and through the state. While we have worked to list all of the most common resources, there are new things coming available regularly. We will update this list as we find additional resources, but please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions. We are happy to point you in the right direction.
Resources on Our Website
Free resources for providers & families
Resource Guide
A pdf version of the information on this page.
Job Board
Need to fill a position in your child care? Are you, or do you know someone, searching for a new EC job opportunity? Check out our job board!
Rocky Mountain Childcare Connect
This user-friendly site allows providers to showcase their program, and for families to search for childcare programs, see available openings, request a tour, add themselves to the waitlist, and more.
The Scoop Newsletters & UPK News
The Scoop! is how we share information with providers, partners and key stakeholders . Through this newsletter you will receive information regarding Early Childhood events, licensing updates, as well as Professional Development and funding opportunities, and more!
UPK News is for providers who are participating in Universal Preschool. This newsletter focuses specifically on this state tuition program for our LCO region (Lake, Pitkin, Garfield, and the Roaring Fork Valley portion of Eagle County).
Instructional Resources
The Guidelines and Framework are guiding documents for our approach to high-quality early childhood education. Physical copies will be mailed to you. Lena Grow! is a literacy and cognition program that is used as a foundational tool when providers begin coaching
Early Learning Development Guidelines & The PLAYbook
The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines describe the path of children’s learning and development from birth to eight years old. They’re designed so that everyone who cares for young children can play an important part in giving Colorado’s kids a healthy start. The PLAYbook showcases activities that support healthy child development. These fun ideas set the child up for a lifelong love of learning.
Colorado’s Early Childhood Framework
This Framework is a shared vision for Colorado’s young children and their families. It guides planning and mobilizes action to ensure all children are valued, healthy, and thriving. The Framework is led by the Early Childhood Leadership Commission and embraced by families, providers, foundations, state agencies, nonprofits, and other early childhood partners across Colorado.
LENA Grow!
Backed by 20+ years of research, LENA Grow focuses on the key marker of quality in early childhood education: teacher-child interactions. Imagine equipping yourself with data-driven professional development that improves outcomes for both teachers and children AND it documents its own impact. Licensed providers who are working with a Quality Improvement Coach can participate. Contact Kristin to see if funding is available and what is involved.
Parent Engagement Resources
Vroom and My Lantern are useful parent engagement resources. They are freeand accessible through their respective apps
VROOM
Vroom provides science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into Brain Building Moments®. Vroom helps parents boost their child’s learning during the time they already spend together. Vroom meets parents where they are, through the people they already trust and the places they already go.
My Lantern
Lantern is a national nonprofit specializing in delivering childhood development resources to parents through an innovative text messaging platform.
Other Online Resources
Colorado Food Program Flyer (CFP):
The Colorado Food Program reimburses participating childcare centers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care.
Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. This website has information to help you and your family find the support you need, all in one place.
Business Guide – Family CC Homes
Business Guide – Child Care Centers
Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children (COAEYC)
State Resources
Professional Development Information System (PDIS)
On the Colorado Shines PDIS, you can complete trainings, apply for credentials and qualifications, and more. If you haven’t already, set up your PDIS account!
- Make sure to use your personal email account when signing up.
- If you are working for a licensed center, home or school district, make sure to find and add your employer including your start date. This will connect you to that employer.
- Apply for an Early Childhood Credential 3.0.
- PDIS provides FREE professional development on a variety of topics including several required annual trainings.
- PDIS Help Desk: [email protected] 844-447-4441 (option 2)
Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS)
The QRIS allows all licensed providers to submit for ratings, apply for/spend QI funding, and connects with PDIS.
- Log in to the Provider Hub and navigate to the QRIS tab to access your QRIS account and populate your portal.
- The Program Guide contains an overview of the rating system and is a good resource to help you understand what is involved with a rating.
- Interested in Colorado Shines funding?! Applications typically open each July and are accepted until funding runs out (which is typically Sept/Oct). Priority is given to providers who have an upcoming rating or particular needs that have been identified by the provider’s assigned coach. Talk with Kristin about when you can apply for funding and what is involved.
- QRIS Help Desk: [email protected] 844-447-4441 (option 1)
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Here you will find any and all resources pertaining to UPK, Child Care Licensing and Administration, Background Checks, CCCAP, Health & Safety Requirements, Qualifications, Early Childhood Mental Health, Quality Initiatives, Rules and Regulations, and more.