Date: 08/17/2015

Final
Early Childhood Colorado Framework

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL READINESS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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02:49 PM -- Early Childhood Colorado Framework

Sheryl Shushan, Manager of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, spoke about the Early Childhood Colorado Framework. She introduced Maegan Lokteff representing Grand Beginnings, and Cindy Schulz representing the Marsico Family Foundation. Ms. Shushan gave an overview of the framework (Attachment C). She explained that the framework was developed in 2008 and that it acts as a resource and guide for comprehensive early childhood systems. She told the commission that the framework is used as a tool by stakeholders to communicate, identify strengths and gaps and that its purpose is to incorporate new research into the state's early childhood system. She pointed out that the Early Childhood Leadership Commission updated the framework in 2015 and that it consulted stakeholders via survey, meetings, focus groups, literature review, and expert consultations. She gave an overview of the changes to the framework, including best practices, inclusive of ages 0 to 8. She guided the commission members through the framework and described the core principles, fundamentals, strategies for action, outcomes, and results.

15EarlyChildhood0817AttachC.pdf15EarlyChildhood0817AttachC.pdf

Representative Singer asked Ms. Shushan if there was a significant difference in needs from different geographic areas. Ms. Shushan replied that the ECLC did not ask about community needs, that it instead focused on vision, and what communities were working on.

Representative Wilson asked whether or not the ECLC had partnered with Planned Parenthood. Ms Shushan replied that the ECLC had no formal ties to Planned Parenthood, but that organization may use the framework. Representative Wilson asked how the ECLC plans to achieve its vision of every child ready for school and achieving by third grade. Ms. Shushan replied that the framework is a vision if Colorado were to have a fully functioning early childhood system.

Representative Pettersen asked what legislators can do, given the current budget climate in the state. Ms. Shushan emphasized that creating sound policy is listed as a part of the framework and told the commission that many entities use the outcomes listed in the framework to think and dive deeper into what future policy changes might look like.

Senator Martinez Humeniz announced that there would be no breakout sessions due to a tornado watch, and that breakout sessions would take place at a special meeting on Monday, August 31, 2015. Committee discussion ensued.


03:25 PM

Ms. Schulz discussed the inclusion of preschool through grade 3 in the early childhood framework, and the importance of obtaining the buy-in of teachers and school districts. She discussed the delivery of services to special needs children.

Maegan Lokteff, Executive Director, Grand Beginnings in Grand County, shared a success story of health integration work funded by the Colorado Trust. She spoke about universal developmental screenings done by parents and shared with doctors and childcare providers.