Early Childhood Colorado Framework 2023 Refresh

The Early Childhood Leadership Commission is excited to share the newly refreshed Early Childhood Colorado Framework! The Early Childhood Colorado Framework creates a shared vision for Colorado where all children are valued, healthy, and thriving. Since 2008, the state’s early childhood community has embraced the Framework as a guiding tool to build a strong and equitable early childhood system designed to provide a comprehensive range of high-quality supports during this most critical time of life. This newly revised Framework provides an up-to-date version of the document that takes into account the most recent advances, as well as some of the ongoing challenges, in the state. This refresh seeks to provide renewed energy toward the bold and common goal to create a Colorado where every child is able to thrive.

Click here to read about the refresh process and learn about the changes that were made.

Download the full refreshed Framework in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Access resources to help you share and use the Framework here.

The refreshed Framework was finalized in August 2023, and the ECLC is currently planning the best ways to share the Framework and support organizations to utilize it. Look for more information soon!

The Refresh Process

The process leading to the 2023 Framework engaged more than 600 people to offer insights, provide feedback, and serve as valuable thought partners. Families and caregivers, child care providers, educators, school district staff, county leaders, health care professionals, community advocates, business leaders, policy makers, funders, and a diverse range of other early childhood leaders brought their stories, hopes, and wisdom to the important work of helping to set the course and effectively move into a preferred future for Colorado’s young children and families. The process advanced with the support and leadership of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission in order to create this updated and unified vision.

A select team of Commission members participated as part of the Project Core Team and worked to drive the direction of this refresh process. A 24 member public-private Steering Committee made up of dedicated community leaders brought a variety of perspectives, expertise, and experience. The Steering Committee met at key junctures to review findings and offer timely feedback and guidance throughout the entire effort. In August 2023, the Early Childhood Leadership Commission unanimously endorsed the refreshed Framework as the state's new vision to carry us forward.