Denver's Early Childhood Council

A nonprofit organization

Empower teachers  |   Support innovation  |  Shape the future of a child 

Denver’s Early Childhood Council believes all children deserve access to high-quality early care and learning. Your support helps ensure Denver's youngest children have a strong local system that supports healthy development, school readiness, and family well-being and stability.

Why does early childhood matter? Early childhood experiences from birth to age 5 affect the development of the brain’s architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults. 

In particular, early childhood is a period of rapid brain development when billions of connections between individual neurons are established. Mechanisms and interventions to support that development must be available beginning at birth. 

The experiences children have early in life play a crucial role in the development of the brain. Exposure to positive factors, especially stable and responsive relationships with parents and caregivers in safe and supportive environments, promotes positive development. 

Are positive outcomes tangible?

When brain development in infants and young children is fully supported, they are more likely to reach milestones critical to future individual and community success. These include:

  • Third-grade reading proficiency
  • High school graduation and postsecondary education
  • Gainful employment
  • Lifetime physical and mental health and well-being
  • Avoidance of substance use disorder and crime

How can you help ensure higher-quality experiences for young children? The research is clear: the quality of the early learning environment is directly tied to the training, knowledge, and capacity of teachers and caregivers. Denver's Early Childhood Council is at the forefront of providing tools, skills, and resources to early learning professionals so that children can thrive.


Your donation will go directly to addressing systemic challenges faced by early childhood professionals and care sites, improving Denver's early learning environments for kids.  


Mission

Denver's Early Childhood Council elevates the early childhood field through innovative and inclusive leadership, services, and solutions.

"I have been a director for eight years and cannot emphasize how supportive business services and coaching at Denver's Early Childhood Council have been during that time. When I am faced with a new dilemma or unsure how to approach something in my role, they are often one of my first calls."

-Mary Nelson, Director, Denver Cooperative Preschool

Background Statement

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Evie Dennis and Mayor Wellington Webb created Denver's Early Childhood Council in 1992 to address a systemic need and manage the quality improvements in Denver's Early Child Care Programs. The Council has fostered collaboration among providers, government agencies, and policy advocates to plan, implement, coordinate, and incubate ECE improvements and innovations. In 2011, Denver's Early Childhood Council became a 501c3 charity, helping to ensure grass-roots collaboration with early childhood professionals and care sites.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver's Early Childhood Council

other names

Denver's Early Childhood Council

Year Established

1992

Tax id (EIN)

27-3083665

Category

Education, Public & Societal Benefit

Organization Size

Large Organization

Colorado State Tax Credits

Colorado Child Care Credit

Address

PO Box 102261
Denver, CO 80250

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

303 644 2562

Other

303-297-1800

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