441F6C68839898478725877300691371 Hearing Summary

Pamela Harris,representing Mile High Early Learning and Early Childhood Leadership Commission, provided an overview on early childhood funding streams and innovative funding and delivery models. She also described a mixed delivery system is necessary as 64% of children under 6 years have all available parents working, 62% of households—women are primary or co-breadwinners, and child care in Colorado costs 1/3 of most people's income. She also emphasized the importance of relationships and partnerships between teachers and parents during the kindergarten transition.



Ms. Harris responded to questions from the committee.



The materials for this presentation have been shared with committee members and can be found, here: http://leg.colorado.gov/content/isfinance2021acommdocs

Katie Nicolaou, representing Early Milestones Colorado (ECE), explained that Ideal Learning was developed by ECE researchers to create a common language to describe equity-centered learning approaches that focuses on all aspects of a child's development. She shared that Ideal Learning is ideal for Colorado because it may increase the impact of universal preschool if more children are enrolled in high-quality programs. There are a few Ideal Learning models in Colorado which include Montessori and English Learner Education.



The materials for this presentation have been shared with committee members and can be found, here: http://leg.colorado.gov/content/isfinance2021acommdocs    

Rachel Kelley-Cohn, representing Wildflower Schools, provided an overview of the Wildflower School model and the priority to remain small and cultivate a tight knit community. She also shared that on average, 40% of Wildflower students come from a low income background. Children of color comprise 53% of Wildflower's student body and nearly 50% of their teachers are people of color.



The materials for this presentation have been shared with committee members and can be found, here: http://leg.colorado.gov/content/isfinance2021acommdocs  



 

Van Schoales, representing Keystone Policy Center, discussed Keystone's latest report. Specifically, the report showed that learning gaps grew enormously during the pandemic. In addition, Colorado has not made significant progress over the last decade academically, specifically in literacy. He suggested that decisions about funding should be guided by what works for students. He also suggested that the state focus on higher quality early childhood education, with different models. He emphasized instituting more flexibility for families, cut down the financial barriers for providers, and blend funding sources to make it easier for education providers.



The panelists responded to questions from the committee.



The materials for this presentation have been shared with committee members and can be found, here: http://leg.colorado.gov/content/isfinance2021acommdocs