The Council is the Local Coordinating Organization for Pitkin, Garfield, W. Eagle and Lake Counties. Through strong partnerships at the local, regional and state levels, we are leading efforts to implement Universal Preschool in our region.
The program focuses on a single, straightforward, proven solution to accelerating brain growth, boosting social-emotional development, and increasing kindergarten readiness. That solution: Giving early childhood educators the tools they need to improve language environments equitably and to truly connect with each and every child in their care. In just five weeks of LENA Grow (or … Read more >
Continuing education programs for early learning professionals, including the Child Development Associate, Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood, and MA in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences offered in partnership with University of Colorado Denver.
Support for teachers, including classroom activities and information about early math teaching and learning. This information is provided through easily accessible online training components, with job-embedded assignments, and webinars. An accompanying workshop in instructional support (optional but recommended). Support for coaches via a certification package that includes a two-day workshop, online interaction, and materials and … Read more >
BGCMD offers several programs that inspire kids to raise their voices and contribute to their communities. Leadership groups within BGCMD include Youth of the Year, Keystone Club for teens and Torch Club for preteens. These peer-based groups give kids a platform to develop age-specific projects.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Our STEM programming helps kids develop technical skills in fields that are increasingly vital to academic and career success. At BGCMD, we make STEM learning fun through games, hands-on group activities and fun competitions. The Arts. Our wide array of art opportunities (performance, digital and fine arts) are consistently … Read more >
Annual conference in early November for early childhood professionals, offering 6 training hours and a partial CEU in collaboration with Western Colorado University. The Gunnison Hinsdale Early Childhood Council brings in a keynote speaker, as well as local and regional presenters. The conference is an opportunity for early childhood professionals to connect with peers, learn … Read more >
Early Connections is known for developing and implementing innovative approaches to quality programs and is a recognized leader in the field of early education. Early Connections was one of the first programs in Colorado to implement child outcome assessment, increase the level of formal education for teachers, and blend federal support from Head Start and … Read more >
Integrated components of our early care and education program promote school readiness. Our developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based approach to early education supports learning and development in all domains: language, social-emotional, cognitive, physical, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and the arts. In August 2017, we implemented a new, strategically blended curriculum to include … Read more >
Bright by Three’s traditional visitation program is a free, three-year curriculum based on seminal research findings from The Carolina Abecedarian Project, Hart and Risley, The Perry Preschool Project, and others. Trained volunteers visit with parents and caregivers to share age-specific resource kits that help caregivers stimulate their child’s healthy development. To support present-day caregivers, Bright … Read more >