The Mission of the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County is to establish community wide partnerships to create a high quality comprehensive early childhood system that connects Early Learning & Development, Health & Well-being, and Family Support & Education at the state and local levels to achieve our Vision: All children are valued, healthy and thriving.
970-247-0760
heatherh@ecclaplata.org
How the money will be used
- $50 Pays for pre-employment training and background check for new professional entering the early childhood field.
- $100 Pays for the creation and distribution of 20 Kindergarten Readiness kits containing materials to support early literacy, language, math and motor skill for children 4 years of age.
- $250 Pays a training bonus to a Mentor teacher to host a high school student in work-based learning in an early childhood center to provide hands-on experience in the early childhood field.
- $500 Provides a scholarship for a teacher or assistant to attend a college course or professional training series to increase qualification and earn an early childhood professional credential.
How will it make a difference
The first five years of a child’s life can shape their future. A child’s brain is more receptive to learning during these critical early years of life than at any other point in time. By the age of five, 90% of the brain’s capacity has already developed. What’s most relevant here is that the brain is most plastic or flexible in the first five years of life. Research shows that when young children receive quality child care, nurturing, nutrition, parental/caregiver interaction, and stimulus during this crucial period, they experience higher rates of success in preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.
How we make an impact
We are committed increasing the quality and availability of comprehensive early childhood services thought technical assistance for quality ratings, quality improvement grants and access to preventative care through the Early Childhood Mental Health program.
We are dedicated to the recruitment, development and retention of the Early Childhood professional workforce in Southwest Colorado through access to career advisement, coaching, scholarships, and work-based learning.
We have a passion for educating parents and the community about the importance of the early years through resource & referral services, Kindergarten Readiness supports and local and state advocacy.
