This program helped me to continue with my education and my professional career. It would not have been possible to have been able to pay tuition in today’s challenging economy. I am very grateful to have been able to have the opportunity to participate in …

I had the opportunity to apply for the TEACH scholarship and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity of being part of TEACH . It allowed me to be the first person in my family to attend community college for the first time. Not …

This program has been a blessing in my life! I was able to focus on school without the pressure of how to pay for school. Having the contract with TEACH and my center was also helped because I was able to cash in hours to …

It would be impossible for a non-English speaking immigrant to pursue a bachelor’s degree without the support of the TEACH scholarship. With the economic and collaborative support of the staff helping me in my journey, I was able to graduate with a GPA of 4 …

The TEACH scholarship allowed me to become Director Qualified. I am a single mom on a tight budget. I would never have been able to extend my education and become Director Qualified if it were not for TEACH. I thank you for allowing me to …

Having this scholarship was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I have applied for thousands of scholarships and was super excited when I found out I got this scholarship. Working with TEACH staff, they are super helpful and the scholarship has helped me …

I am so thankful for the TEACH Scholarship! They were able to help me reach my goals of getting my Colorado teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education. College programs are so expensive and TEACH helped me reach my dreams without having to be in …

The TEACH scholarship allowed me to take the classes I need to receive my director certification and move up in my role in the classroom! – Gracie, TEACH Scholar

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to further my education. Without this scholarship I probably would not have returned to school and would not be working towards my teacher certification. Thank You! – Tami, TEACH Scholar

​In 2016, I started attending Adams State University to complete my BA degree in Education. After my first year, I had already starting accumulating student loan debt. Even though I applied for grants, I never knew if I would be awarded enough to cover my …

My name is Alejandro. I am currently working as a Paraprofessional at Stedman Elementary School and the TEACH Scholarship has been an incredible support for my career. It has allowed me to be in the ECE undergraduate program at Community College of Aurora, and in …

The TEACH Scholarship allowed me the opportunity to explore my early childhood career path and discover my passion for leadership and advocacy. After earning my Associate degree from Community College of Aurora, I decided to finish up the remaining classes needed for my Director Certificate. …

The TEACH Scholarship has done so much for me, opening my mind to new things. By being able to go to school and to gain the knowledge I need to become a better teacher, not just for myself but for the children that are in …

I am Martha Rodriguez. My family and I are from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. We moved to the United States 28 years ago. I came to the United States when I was 8 years old. I had to learn to adjust to a new country, but …

Early childhood professionals are vital and invaluable to our state’s economy. We provide the care that other industries depend upon so that their workforce can do their jobs. Research also demonstrates that children have the best outcomes when their teachers have college classes, certificates and …

“My tenure in the industry of Early Education has a track record of 14 years and counting. My goal has always been to create a business model that supports school readiness and job creation. As the complexities of early education increases, so does the need …

“This is just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your financial support and your time as I worked towards my Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. You and your team members helped me meet and complete my dreams of …

“I would like to share my journey in the ECE field, and how the TEACH . Scholarship helped me achieve my degree. I was a stay-at-home mother when I was approached by a director friend. She asked if I would be willing to work as …

“I would not have even thought about starting this process without having a TEACH scholarship. I had thought about going back to college and completing ECE classes several years ago when my friend was doing it, but thought it wasn’t really necessary for my current …

“I am very grateful for having known about TEACH and for having worked with such an amazing crew, and for having so much help from you, especially someone who is so present and knowledgeable when it comes to guiding me with applications, and all I …

“I want to thank you and this scholarship for really helping me out. With having only one income in my household it was really tough for me to even think about going back to school, because I’m still paying on my other student loans and …

“Because of TEACH, I was able to go back to school and finish my education without going into further debt. With the help of TEACH, I am able to finish my education in order to better help provide for my family. I am grateful to …

“I had a great semester and completed my ECE Teaching certification! I am thankful for the opportunity and skills I have acquired to provide great educational and developmental experiences for the children I influence each day.” – Darian F, TEACH Scholar

“TEACH has helped me with financial assistance and motivation. This is a necessity for many college students, particularly in my case I am paying for some classes out of pocket and need that help. In addition, the motivation has kept me going, as well as, …

“Applying for the TEACH scholarship is well worth the time and effort. The TEACH staff are very supportive and caring. They are always available to answer questions and will help you succeed. I always wanted to get my Director’s Qualification to better myself professionally, but …

“It is with a grateful heart that I write about the meaning of the TEACH scholarship program to me. My appreciation of this program is two fold. Personally, I have been awarded the TEACH scholarship over many years. I cannot even remember when the first …

“I realized being with children was my passion. It gave me a reason to get out of bed again, a reason to smile and took the focus off my grief… Last fall my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer (nonsmoker) and the same week I …

“In 2016, I started attending Adams State University to complete my BA degree in Education. After my first year, I had already starting accumulating student loan debt. Even though I applied for grants, I never knew if I would be awarded enough to cover my …

“I contacted the TEACH program to help me pursue an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and further expand on the knowledge gained when I earned my CDA. Not only did I achieve that goal, but I also went on to achieve a …

“Working in the ECE field was never part of my plan. The opportunity for a job as a lead teacher at my center kind of fell into my lap. And I fell in love. After two years, I finally began taking classes to obtain an …

“If it weren’t for the TEACH Scholarship and leadership I have gotten from Shannon Hall, I would not be getting my Bachelor’s degree starting this fall. The TEACH Scholarship has truly been a blessing in my life, and I am thankful everyday that I have …

“This scholarship has been such a blessing to my life because I don’t know how I was going to pay for the rest of my schooling being that my financial aid was getting ready to run out. The TEACH scholarship made me push harder on …

“I want to shine light on the TEACH program and sing their praises to all that helped me succeed in my education. I am so happy that I found out about the TEACH Program because this program has allowed me to obtain my Director License. …

“Thank you so much for providing this scholarship. It is a great help to people that want to further their career, and we need qualified professionals. Several co-workers have asked me about the program and I have nothing but positive things to say.” – Leann, …

"The TEACH scholarship has provided me with an opportunity to finish my Bachelor’s degree even as a new father. If I had not been selected for this scholarship I do not know if I would have had the resources to continue to the end. I …

“I am Brittany Anderson and I’m a TEACH scholarship recipient! I am so thankful for this scholarship program because I was able to become Lead Qualified and get my Directors Certificate through Pikes Peak Community College with this scholarship! I would have not been able …

“Our TEACH Recipient is becoming a stronger Early Childhood Paraprofessional and the TEACH Scholarship is helping her become a well-prepared teacher. This is a great opportunity for her to gain the education necessary to become a fully certified teacher!” – Denver Public Schools, TEACH Sponsor

“Our TEACH Recipient feels more confident in teaching after completing the TEACH Scholarship Program. This is shown in her leadership in the classroom and her ability to guide new teachers in the program.” – Granby Play Days

“Both of our schools have greatly benefited from the TEACH Scholarship. It is a valuable scholarship program that enables early childhood educators to stay in the field while advancing their career. As an employer, it has been beneficial to have the TEACH partnership. It has …

“Working in the ECE field was never part of my plan. I have a B.A. in Psychology and I was going to get my M.A in Counseling. The opportunity for a job as a lead teacher at my center kind of fell into my lap. …

“The TEACH Scholarship has been the key to my success as a college student. With it, I have been able to achieve a grade point average that will qualify me to graduate Magna cum Laude along with maintaining my focus on my academics versus the …

“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work and also fulfill my necessary coursework at the same time. Everyone at T.E.A.C.H. has been so supportive and my employer and supervisor have been incredible as well. Thank you again for reaching out to the rural areas …

“Three years ago, I would have said the field of ECE is very limited and as a seasoned teacher I was ready to jump ship- completely leave the industry. I struggled long and hard with this as many years prior I felt it was my …

ECCLA Winter 2023 Newsletter Director’s Message As we settle into the long months of winter I have been reminded more than once that winter is a time for rest and renewal. Winter brings a natural slowing down to all living things. In my neck of …

Wheat Ridge, CO (Oct. 24, 2022) – In recognition of the critical work that Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils do to address the need for a qualified and supported early childhood workforce, the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) has released the Early Childhood Council Impact …

Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) is excited to announce the launch of the Rural Reskilling, Upskilling, Next-skilling (R.U.N.) Scholarship Program. The Rural R.U.N Scholarship Program provides career counseling and tuition support to current and incoming early childhood professionals in rural communities seeking to reskill, …

Director’s Message Up in the mountains, summer is always a little slow to arrive. It was only a few weeks ago that everything was covered in snow and our aspens were just beginning to bud out. Once it finally does arrive it makes it very …

Director’s MessageWe all have often heard it said that change is the only true constant in life. Nowhere is this truer than in early childhood. We all work to support a time in human development that sees the most change and growth out of any …

We are excited to share the ECCLA 2021 Annual Report and the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® COLORADO Scholarship Program: 2021 Annual Report! Please join us in celebrating another year of strengthening Colorado’s early childhood system. We invite you to explore the data and testimonials that highlight the impact that ECCLA …

Director’s Message December is the darkest month of the year in Colorado. It is a time that can bring feelings of hope and joy and also a time that can be especially stressful. December is a great metaphor for what all of us in the …

It is ECCLA’s vision that Colorado has a comprehensive early childhood system that promotes thriving young children, families, and communities and we are excited by the formation of the new Department of Early Childhood. We look forward to working in partnership with our 34-member Early …

ECCLA is a proud recipient of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), supporting the Back to Work Early Childhood Education Scholarship Program! Our efforts will focus on recruiting displaced workers into the early care and education field in Colorado.  Early childhood professionals are the workforce …

ECCLA is delighted to share our new strategic plan. Adopted in May 2021, this ambitious plan was developed collaboratively with input from members, partners, and policymakers with the goal to create a plan that pushes our maturing organization into deeper advocacy and systems change. The …

The Family Child Care Home Facilities Improvement Initiative (FCCHI) administered by the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) offers grants to licensed home-based child care providers in Colorado. This funding opportunity is intended to help family child care homes start-up, expand, or maintain consistent operations, …

The ECCLA Board of Directors and staff have begun a 5-month strategic planning process to update and affirm ECCLA’s mission, vision, and role. The organization’s scope and reach have expanded requiring a deep dive. With key partners, ECCLA will explore the future of the organization. …

On behalf of the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, Healthy Child Care Colorado, Mile High United Way, and The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, we are pleased to announce a total of nearly $500,000 was awarded 125 family child care homes …

I am excited to introduce Maegan Lokteff, PhD as the next Executive Director of ECCLA!  Many know Maegan from her work the past 6 years as the Executive Director of Grand Beginnings which covers both Grand and Jackson counties. She has worked her way from …

Boots on the Ground: Advancing the Shared Vision for Colorado’s Children is a new report that brings the systems building work of Early Childhood Councils to life. The history, work, and impact of Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils are not well understood by most people and …

HB20-1427: Cigarette Tobacco And Nicotine Products Tax, passed the Colorado General Assembly as a referred measure to the 2020 November Election Ballot. ECCLA has endorsed the Proposition EE campaign which is a historic opportunity to expand early childhood education in Colorado.  Over the first 2 …

On behalf of the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) Board of Directors, we are excited to announce Heather Hanna will be stepping in as Interim Director, beginning August 6, 2020, following the resignation of Amy Payton, Executive Director.  We are saddened than Amy is …

To address the declining number of licensed slots within family child care homes and to improve quality within home-based learning environments, the Buell Foundation granted funds to the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) to provide facility improvement funding to family child care homes. This opportunity is intended to …

Hello friends of ECCLA, As I look back over the last few months it is amazing how much our world has changed since I last wrote to you in late February. The last several months have been challenging for us all in many ways. Since …

Across Colorado, families and communities have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, family child care arrangements have been disrupted and supplies have been difficult to find on store shelves. In local communities, Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils are playing an important role in supporting …

In 2019, under the prudent direction of our Board of Directors, ECCLA successfully navigated significant programmatic and partnership growth while securing new leadership for the organization. Our mission to improve the quality, capacity, and equity of services and supports for Colorado’s young children and their …

Supporting Councils and Early Care and Education Providers During the COVID-19 Crisis Hello friends of ECCLA, We are all living through an extremely difficult situation that many of us probably could not have imagined just a month or two ago. Currently, available information indicates that …

Hello Friends of ECCLA! I am thrilled to be writing you my first newsletter update as Executive Director of the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA). I began serving in this role in early January and what a whirlwind the last (almost) two months have …

The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® National Center celebrates 30 years of the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Program. T.E.A.C.H was initially created to address the multiple challenges of a minimally educated workforce, making poverty level wages resulting in very high turnover rates. The 2018-19 T.E.A.C.H. National Program Report …

The Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) has teamed up with the Colorado Children’s Campaign to collaborate on an early childhood Census toolkit which provides local communities with resources for outreach to families. Every 10 years, the Census aims to count every person living in …

Get Ahead Colorado, an initiative of the Piton Foundation at Gary Community Investments, aims to increase the number of eligible families receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and other valuable credits that help families get ahead. This year, Get Ahead Colorado …

Dear Councils, Funders and Partners, I am excited to introduce Dr. Amy Williamson Payton as the next Executive Director for ECCLA! Dr. Payton comes to us most recently from Oklahoma State University and has worked her way from being a preschool teacher to conducting research …

ECCLA convened Early Childhood Councils on September 19-20, 2019 for an annual leadership retreat in beautiful Golden, CO. ECCLA’s role is to support Councils as they align resources and services for young children and families in their local communities. We generously received support from The …

Colorado’s largest day of giving just around the corner. On this day, thousands of people come together to support Colorado nonprofits. Colorado Gives Day takes place on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 and we invite you to donate to the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® COLORADO Scholarship Program!  As …

The Buell Foundation has awarded ECCLA with a $250,000 grant to administer a Family Child Care Home (FCCH) Facility Improvement Initiative. The purpose of the Buell Foundation’s Family Child Care Home Facility Improvement Initiative is to help Colorado families find quality care options for their …

Together, the Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) Initiative and ECCLA are building a supportive technical assistance network across Colorado. ECCLA engages our network of 34 Early Childhood Councils to deepen regional expertise around healthy outdoor learning environments and serves as a primary conduit to the …

Dear ECCLA Members and Stakeholders: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA), we would like to share that we are continuing to search for a new ECCLA Executive Director and will be reposting the position within the …

The 2019 Colorado legislative session began in early-January. ECCLA and several Councils have already signed on to support legislative bills aimed at helping young children, families, and communities thrive. Check back throughout the legislative session to learn more about bills supported by ECCLA and Councils. HB …

2Generation Opportunities, or 2GO, is an effort to help communities innovate and create their own ways of engaging in a two-generation approach to service delivery. In November 2018, the 2GO pilot awarded 10 grants of $100,000 each to regional and community collaborators who have proposed innovative ways to …

Outdoor environments encourage play and learning which supports child development. Understanding the importance of outdoor environments, The National Wildlife Federation and North Carolina State University’s Natural Learning Initiative with local funders partnered to bring the Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) initiative to Colorado. The ECHO …

Now entering the eighth year, Denver’s Early Childhood Council and the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) have partnered to present RMECC. This year the conference will be hosted March 1-2, 2019 at a new location – the Sheraton Denver Downtown. New this year, we’re …

In December 2018, ECCLA partnered with Child Care Works, Raise Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign, and Clayton Early Learning to support an advocacy training for child advocates across Colorado. Funding from the Think Babies campaign enable Early Childhood Council leaders to attend from all corners of …

Hello Friends and Partners of ECCLA! We hope that 2019 is off to a great start for you, and we are excited about what the new year holds for Colorado’s young children and their families. We have been extremely busy these last few months, finalizing …

ECCLA has been busy this Fall participating with and leading events to advance early childhood priorities: Mile High Data Day: ECCLA attended Mile High Data Day on September 20 with a goal to bring information and resources to Early Childhood Councils. The day focused on …

ECCLA celebrates the accomplishments of Early Childhood Councils across Colorado. We are particularly excited about two new changes this Fall that will strengthen the Early Childhood Council Network: Morgan County Welcomes a New Early Childhood Council We are excited to welcome Morgan County Partnership for …

We invite you to support the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) on Colorado Gives Day! Colorado’s largest day of giving, Colorado Gives Day, takes place on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. On this day, thousands of people come together to support Colorado nonprofits. Since its …

ECCLA convened Early Childhood Councils on September 6-7, 2018 for two days of leadership training at the historic Penrose House in Colorado Springs. ECCLA’s role is to support Councils as they align resources and services for young children and families in their local communities. We …

ECCLA is excited to share new resources to create greater awareness and appreciation for the work of Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils and the role of ECCLA to provide support. Our new fact sheet provides a high-level overview of the role Councils play in their local …

Now entering the eighth year, Denver’s Early Childhood Council and the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) have partnered to present the 2019 Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference (RMECC). This year the conference will be hosted March 1-2, 2019 at a new location – the …

The long days of summer are nearing an end and many young children are starting school or returning to child care for high quality early learning experiences. Finding quality child care and navigating assistance can be challenging for local families. Fortunately, Colorado established the Child …

A new report from Early Milestones Colorado, Looking to the Past to Shape Colorado’s Future: 30 Years of Progress for Young Children and Families, takes an expansive and in-depth look at the progress made in Colorado’s early childhood systems – as well as priorities for the …

What if parents and caregivers could have a one-stop, online resource that connects to a variety of child development resources? This was the vision of Promises for Children, Weld County’s Early Childhood Council. Earlier this year, partners came together to launch their “RoadMap4Kids,” an interactive …

During the earliest years, social and emotional development begins in young children, which is the ability to express and understand emotions, develop social skills, and engage in problem solving strategies to maintain healthy relationships. All young children need caring, responsive, knowledgeable parents and caregivers to …

During the 2018 legislative session, the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) successfully advocated for state general funds to be invested in the statewide network of Early Childhood Councils. The 2018-19 Colorado state budget now includes $1 million for Councils to continue their efforts in …

The Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) and Early Childhood Councils are supporting the statewide conversation to develop innovative workforce strategies that enhance recruitment, retention, and compensation. The Early Childhood Workforce 2020 plan provides an ambitious road map to promote a high quality, effective, and …

Custer County is a remote community that sits in a beautiful valley between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Wet Mountains with a total population of a little more than 4,000. Local families often have limited access to services with one local health clinic …

A recent report on 60 minutes discussed the impact of childhood trauma and ways in which communities are working to combat toxic stress. The research shows that early interactions and positive experiences with caregivers help to shape a young child’s brain, which provides a strong …

In April early childhood organizations, professionals, and advocates celebrate young children and their families by recognizing the importance of positive early childhood experiences, promoting early learning and healthy development of young children, and highlighting the role everyone plays in preventing child abuse and neglect. This …

Councils and ECCLA joined state partners at the annual “Speak up for Kids” event on March 14, 2018. This dynamic event brought together advocates to serve as a voice for children statewide. Advocates met with state legislators to share information about current legislation affecting children. …

ECCLA and Denver’s Early Childhood Council presented the 2018 Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference on March 16-17 at the Colorado Convention Center. This year’s conference featured keynote speakers, Dr. Becky Bailey founder of Loving Guidance, Inc. and the Conscious Discipline program and Enrique “Hank” C. …

The Preschool Podcast provides inspiration and knowledge to current and future early childhood professionals by speaking with experienced and insightful leaders. The weekly program features voices and perspectives from educators, leaders, and organizations in early childhood. ECCLA is excited to be featured on The Preschool …

In collaboration with Early Milestones Colorado, Early Childhood Councils and ECCLA supported eight community meetings across the state to discuss the early childhood workforce in Colorado. Councils worked with their local early childhood partners to ensure multiple perspectives and voices were represented, secured local facilities …