Early Childhood System
Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families (PCF)
is one of thirty Early Childhood Councils in the State of Colorado.
In 1997, the Colorado General Assembly created Consolidated Child Care Pilots in twelve communities in the state. In 1999, the Legislature expanded this number to 17 Pilots covering 30 counties. The Pilots were initially intended to create a "seamless delivery system of early care and education services" to:
- Enhance child care quality
- Respond to the needs of working parents
- Ensure collaboration among stakeholders
- Consolidate funding sources to create an early childhood system
After ten years, the Pilots were formalized in legislation (HB07-1062) as Early Childhood Councils ((ECCs). Currently, 30 Councils are operating in 53 counties across the state to develop an integrated system of early childhood services.
Early Childhood Councils provide an efficient, community-based infrastructure to support a state-wide early childhood system. They are rooted in the values of community, collaboration and leadership on behalf of young children prenatal to age 10. The 30 Councils across the State of Colorado are working together as an innovative network that links practice to policy and child to community.
Early Childhood Councils recieve both Federal and State funds through the Colorado Department of Human Services. Through a collaborative, interagency agreement, the program is jointly managed by the Colorado Department of Education.
Partners across Colorado utilize Early Childhood Councils to embrace the vision of a comprehensive, connected network of resources and services that promote positive outcomes for young children and their families. This collective vision is illustrated in the Early Childhood Colorado Framework brochure.
Download Brochure
Partners across Colorado utilize Early Childhood Councils to embrace the vision of a comprehensive, connected network of resources and services that promote positive outcomes for young children and their families. This collective vision is illustrated in the Early Childhood Colorado Framework brochure.
Download Brochure
Learn more about the Early Childhood Colorado FrameworkThe following graphic was created by the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department of Education to describe the specific role Early Childhood Councils play with the overall Early Childhood Colorado Framework in developing a comprehensive system of early childhood services:
Click on graphic for a larger view.Early Childhood Councils are not typically delivering direct services to children and families (although they may, depending on the community and any gaps that need to be filled). Councils work with community partners to ensure that local services for young children are plentiful, of high quality, and easily accessible to anyone who needs them.
