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.
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 >
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 >
Quality Improvement Rating Information System (QRIS): Licensed child care programs go through a program rating every 3 years (voluntarily) working to achieve a Quality Rating (Level 1 = licensing, Level 2 = more training; level 3-5 is considered high quality). This program provides technical assistance from the QI coach to become licensed, update child care … Read more >
Tri-County Health Department’s mission is to promote, protect and improve the lifelong health of individuals and communities in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties through the effective use of data, evidence-based prevention strategies, leadership, advocacy, partnerships and the promotion of health equity. The programs at TCHD that serve early care and education (ECE) professionals and families … Read more >
An Infant Toddler Specialist is defined as an individual whose role is to provide support to professionals and caregivers who provide early care and education to infants and toddlers. Funded in large part by the Infant/Toddler Earmark within the Child Care Development Block Grant, many states have developed an Infant/Toddler Specialist Network by funding these … Read more >
Early Head Start (EHS) programs serve infants and toddlers under the age of 3, and pregnant women. EHS programs provide intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers and their families, and to pregnant women and their families.
Sangres Art Guild (SAG) in conjunction with Custer County Kids Council is initiating art classes for children ages 3-6. Classes are held at a local art gallery with local artists and a retired preschool teacher. The 2-hour classes are held on Friday afternoons when preschool is not in session and include a variety of activities … Read more >