2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR
Mission & Vision
MISSION
Elevate the early childhood field through innovative and inclusive leadership, services, and solutions.
VISION
We envision a community where the diverse needs of all young children and their families are supported.
Message From the CEO
Since stepping into my role in November 2023, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with early childhood professionals and community partners all around the city who are at the heart of our mission.
Over the past year, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the profound impact Denver’s Early Childhood Council (DECC) work has on our city’s children, families, and early educators.
In a time of continued change and challenge, the Council has remained unwavering in its commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and educators. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, we’ve worked to create a brighter future for Denver’s youngest learners.
It is important to recognize that child care is not only vital for the healthy development of children, it is a foundational element for the entire workforce. The early childhood system supports every other industry in our economy, enables families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities, and contributes to Denver’s economic stability and growth.
A key priority for the Council this year has been supporting and strengthening the early childhood workforce. By investing in career development, advocating for better compensation, and offering comprehensive business support and training, we are addressing the urgent need for workforce stability. Our efforts have directly contributed to the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of early childhood educators, ensuring they have the tools and resources to nurture and inspire the next generation.
We’ve also deepened our commitment to improving child outcomes through strategic partnerships that emphasize early detection
and intervention. By expanding access to developmental screenings, mental health consultations, and comprehensive family engagement services, we are ensuring that every child can thrive in a supportive, responsive environment. The Council team also played a pivotal role in administering funds from the State of Colorado to ensure child care programs had the necessary resources to enhance their services. These strategic investments directly led to the creation of 623 new child care slots, addressing a critical shortage of care in underserved communities.
The successes we’ve achieved this year are a testament to the power of collaboration. Alongside more than 110 nonprofit, community, governmental, and business partners, we have made meaningful strides toward a stronger early childhood landscape. As we look to the future, the Council is dedicated to forging new partnerships and finding innovative, responsive ways to amplify the voices of child care providers, empower families, and drive lasting change. Our goal is to help create safe, supported child care that is accessible, affordable, and prioritizes the health and well-being of children and the early childhood professionals who make it all possible.
The research is clear: the quality of a child’s early learning environment is directly linked to the training, knowledge, and capacity of their teachers. At Denver’s Early Childhood Council, we are at the forefront of equipping early learning professionals with the resources they need to help every child thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this essential work. Together, we are shaping a future where every child in Denver has the opportunity to succeed.
Shelby Mattingly Chief Executive Officer
Early Childhood Systems Building and Advocacy
FY23-24 HIGHLIGHTS
In our Early Childhood Systems Building & Advocacy efforts, we work to improve access to high-quality education, support providers, and influence policies that benefit children and families across Denver and beyond. Our team actively engages in statewide and local initiatives to shape a stronger early childhood system.
PARTNERSHIPS
We collaborated with over 110 partners from government, nonprofit, and business sectors to tackle key challenges, fostering cross-sector cooperation.
DENVER CCAP COLLABORATIVE
Through this collaborative, we gave Denver child care providers direct access to Denver Human Services staff, discussing policy and funding issues affecting both large and small child care programs.
STATEWIDE AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
As part of the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance, we worked with councils across Colorado to build a stronger ECE system. We supported local and statewide legislation and advocated for federal investment in early care, the Strengthening Families Act, and the Child Tax Credit.
PROVIDER REPRESENTATION
DECC hosted the Denver Director Equity and Advocacy Group, providing directors with a platform to address key issues. Through this work, we facilitated discussions between community providers and the governor’s office on the implementation of Colorado Universal Preschool.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DECC served on the committee that reviews appeals related to the Professional Development Information System (PDIS), ensuring fair and consistent decision-making that supports the early childhood workforce.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
As part of a Workforce Subcommittee of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, DECC advocated for higher education resources, better compensation, and professional development access for the early childhood workforce.
LICENSING
We maintained a seat on the Licensing Waivers and Appeals Board, advocating for regulatory changes that support child care providers.
CAREER NAVIGATION COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
Our staff led efforts to support career navigation for early childhood professionals, focusing on recruitment, workforce development, and retention.
“I don’t know where we would be without Denver’s Early Childhood Council. We have been proud partners with the Council to provide coaching for our teachers. Our navigators have been unbelievable through Colorado Shines or any other questions we have. Business Services have always helped us. I love getting the Friday tidbits because I find something new each Friday that I can share with my faculty and staff. Denver’s Early Childhood Council, you’re the best. Thanks for everything.”
– DEB DEVERELL, PADDINGTON STATION PRESCHOOL
Classroom Coaching
DECC’s Classroom Coaching program offers ongoing mentorship, reflective supervision, and relationship-based coaching, ensuring educators can apply evidence-based practices that enhance child development. The early years of a child’s life are essential for social, emotional, and cognitive growth, and the professional development of teachers and caregivers directly impacts child outcomes.
HIGH-QUALITY COACHING EQUIPS EDUCATORS
TO:
• Support social-emotional development, laying the foundation for lifelong emotional health and academic success.
• Address challenging behaviors with compassionate, developmentally appropriate interventions.
• Foster healthy development, helping children meet important milestones in health, behavior, and cognitive skills.
• Implement effective classroom management strategies that promote engagement, creativity, and cooperative learning in stimulating, organized environments.
Well-trained, supported teachers are better equipped to create environments that nurture curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning—outcomes that are fundamental for success in school and in life.
405
CHILD CARE SITES SUPPORTED
20,000+
“I wanted to specifically mention how amazing it has been to have Cecilia as a coach. As you may know, our staff is predominantly English as a second language learners. While most people may see this as a challenge and choose not to work with us or limit what we’re capable of doing, Cecilia has never underestimated our staff and what they’re capable of. Instead, she finds creative ways to make learning accessible for all teachers. Her kindness and inclusion has allowed our teachers to be more confident and in turn better serve our kids… We really appreciate all her efforts to make sure every stakeholder in our community is represented in a meaningful way. We could not ask for a better coach.”
- SABAH OMER, DIRECTOR - LITTLE ONES LEARNING CENTER
1,588 CLASSROOMS IMPACTED
CHILDREN SERVED 93% OF PARTICIPANTS RATED
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:
In partnership with Denver Preschool Program (DPP), DECC launched a collaboration with Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) and Healthy Child Care Colorado (HCCC), funded by Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. This initiative focuses on improving child health and development within Colorado’s Universal Preschool Programs.
KEY AREAS INCLUDE:
• Oral health integration in both classroom and home settings
• Screening and referral services to support early detection and intervention for improved child outcomes
• Capacity-building to help local communities support child care programs in meeting the new Healthy Development Quality Standards
Navigation PROGRAMS: QUALITY INITIATIVES
Our Quality Navigators play an integral role in raising the quality of early childhood education across Denver by helping child care providers improve their program standards. By working with providers on the State of Colorado rating system, Colorado Shines, Navigators ensure that child care programs can meet higher quality standards, leading to better developmental outcomes for the children they serve. Higher ratings also enable providers to access needed funding and resources to further enhance their programs.
Navigators partner closely with child care directors and home-based providers to ensure they meet the necessary regulations and access quality improvement funds. By elevating the quality of care, Navigators directly impact the experiences of Denver’s youngest children, helping to create safe, enriching environments that foster learning and development.
• 258 child care programs participated in quality improvement initiatives across various funding streams.
• Programs ranged from Level 1 to Level 5 (with five being the highest possible), including both center-based and home-based providers.
• In FY23-24, 84% of programs that went through the rating process maintained or increased their rating to Level 4 or higher.
IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT:
The Quality Navigation program is instrumental in enhancing the care and education children receive. Navigation support translates to improved learning environments, better-trained staff, and more engaging activities—key factors in promoting healthy child development.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:
DECC’s Quality Navigation team played a pivotal role in administering funds from the State of Colorado to ensure child care programs had the resources needed to enhance their services and improve outcomes for the children they serve. By working closely with providers, Navigators helped allocate funding for urgent needs such as curriculum materials, health and safety improvements, capital upgrades, technology, and workforce development initiatives. These strategic investments led directly to the creation of 623 new child care slots in high-need areas, addressing the shortage of quality child care services in underserved communities. Through close collaboration with child care providers, DECC’s Navigators helped maximize the impact of these funds, driving improvements in the quality of care, learning environments, and workforce sustainability—ultimately benefiting the children of Denver.
“Your help and guidance through this process (the documentation portion of the rating) is greatly appreciated! You have no idea how thankful I am for you and all the work you do!”
“Your help and guidance through this process (the documentation portion of the rating) is greatly appreciated! You have no idea how thankful I am for you and all the work you do!”
Business Services
Family child care homes and community-based child care centers face complex challenges, from navigating regulations to managing multiple funding sources. DECC provides expert business coaching, training, and support designed to meet the unique needs of child care program directors and business owners.
Our Business Services program—the only one of its kind in the state—plays an essential role in strengthening the operational, financial, and workforce stability of both family child care homes and community-based programs. In FY23-24, the program offered indepth tailored coaching to enhance providers’ business operations, ensuring their longterm sustainability.
100%
OF SURVEYED PARTICIPANTS
RATED BUSINESS SERVICES AS VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL 94%
WOULD PARTICIPATE IN BUSINESS SERVICES PROGRAMMING AGAIN
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:
82%
SAID BUSINESS SERVICES PROGRAMMING WAS IMPERATIVE TO THEIR OPERATIONS 94%
PLANNED TO IMPLEMENT CONCRETE CHANGES
Workforce Expansion through Site Development: DECC’s Business Services team facilitated real estate walk-throughs to help providers identify optimal locations for new or expanded child care facilities. These efforts resulted in new child care slots for 105 children, addressing a crucial community need.
“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…if they don’t know the answer themselves, they always know how to connect me with someone who does or will do more research to get back to me. Early childhood leadership can be isolating, and I can truly say that the support I have received from the business services coaches has made it less so.”
– MARY NELSON, DIRECTOR, DENVER COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Career Pathways
ISSUES FACING THE WORKFORCE
The early childhood workforce is predominantly made up of women, with 96% of child care professionals identifying as female, many of whom are low-income women of color. These women face significant challenges rooted in systemic inequalities, including limited access to resources, opportunities for career advancement, and insufficient recognition for the work they do. Despite their critical role in shaping the future of young children, they often encounter high levels of physical, mental, and financial stress, further exacerbated by the rising cost of living.
A national report found that 53% of surveyed early childhood professionals in February 2024 reported they were more burned out compared to the same time last year. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the need for better supports, more resources, and fair compensation for those who care for our most vulnerable population.
Career Coaching: Supporting and Strengthening the Workforce
The Career Coaching program at Denver’s Early Childhood Council plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by early childhood professionals. It serves as a significant resource for recruiting new talent into the field while also providing support to retain the existing workforce. By offering personalized services, Career Coaching helps professionals navigate professional development opportunities, earn required credentials, and access community benefits that ease financial burdens.
538 INDIVIDUALS SERVED
Professional Development and Training
The Council offers high-quality training for early childhood professionals. The growth of training participation reflects the increasing demand for professional development opportunities among ECE providers and underscores the value of the Council’s offerings in strengthening the early childhood workforce.
The introduction of training programs in additional languages, such as Dari and Farsi, broadens the reach of our services to a more diverse group of ECE professionals, fostering greater inclusivity within the community.
SPOTLIGHT: CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TRAINING
The program equips educators with practical strategies for emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and classroom management, helping them create safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for children.
• 488 participants completed in-depth training courses.
• 335 unduplicated individuals from 188 child care program sites.
• $70,000 worth of materials to 91 child care programs providing resources for educators to implement the strategies they learned during training.
Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference (RMECC)
RMECC continues to be a hub of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration for professionals and advocates in the early childhood education field.
1,500+ ATTENDEES
SESSIONS
209 PRESENTERS
Of attendees would recommend RMECC to a f riend or colleague
“Absolutely awesome sessions! I think it was a great mix of workshops; it was so hard to pick which sessions to take! They are all so amazing and informative.”
ATTENDEE DEMOGRAPHICS
GEOGRAPHIC REGION
“I look forward to getting together with the many people who are always learning and caring for the little people as we prepare them for the big world.”
$4,378,984
$4,336,680
$42,304
WHERE YOUR GIVING GOES
HOW OUR WORK IS FUNDED: HOW YOUR GIVING HELPS: PROGRAM SERVICES
Community Impact
CAREER PATHWAYS
COLORADO CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT
Denver’s Early Childhood Council is a qualifying organization for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. This credit is a special way the state rewards people or businesses who donate to organizations that support child care. If you donate to a qualifying child care organization (like DECC), the state gives you back half of what you donated in the form of a tax credit. That means for every dollar you give, you can get 50 cents back when it’s time to pay your state taxes. For example, if you donate $250, you can reduce your state taxes by $125. This is in addition to the usual tax benefits for donating, which means you’re not just helping children, families, and teachers — you’re also paying less in taxes!
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and assistance provided by your coaches throughout our rating process and beyond. Your team’s dedication and expertise have made a tremendous difference in our school community, and we truly appreciate everything you do. The guidance and support from your coaches during challenging situations at our school have been invaluable. Their insights and advice have helped us navigate difficult circumstances effectively, ensuring the best outcomes for our students and staff.
Additionally, your team’s assistance with administrative processes has been instrumental in streamlining our operations and ensuring compliance with standards. Your coaches’ knowledge and willingness to assist have made a significant impact on our ability to function efficiently and prov ide high-quality early childhood education. We genuinely believe that we would not be able to operate at our best without the support of Denver’s Early Childhood Council. Your dedication to the success and well-being of early childhood education programs like ours is commendable and deeply appreciated.”
– RACHEL CAMACHO, HEAD OF SCHOOL L’ECOLE DE DENVER
Board
and Staff List
Board and Staff Members
PRISCILLA HOPKINS
Board Chair
Executive Director of Early Education Denver Public Schools
JUSTIN SYKES Vice Chair
Deputy Director of the Financial Services Division for Denver Human Services
BEN BURROWS Board Treasurer
Financial Advisor, Raymond James
TARAN SCHNEIDER
Board Secretary
Executive Director, Healthy Child Care Colorado
CASEY MYERS
Early Childhood Teacher
MARIA HANNON
Senior Director of Human Services Colorado Health Foundation
JANE WALSH
Director of Community Partnerships Denver Public Schools
DOROTHY SHAPLAND
Assoc. Professor of Early Childhood Education
Metropolitan State University of Denver
SARAH MCNEIL
Senior Librarian, Denver Public Library
VALERIE GONZALES
Director of Early Childhood Initiatives Office of Children’s Affairs
Staff Members
SHELBY MATTINGLY Chief Executive Officer
MAUREEN REID Chief Program Officer
LIZ ISAACSON Chief Financial Officer
JESSICA ARNOLD Data Systems Program Manager
NICOLE BECKER Quality Navigator
CHINAZO DUMAS Child Care Resource & Referral Navigator
DORA ESPARZA Director of Business Services
AMERICA FLORES Bilingual Quality Navigator
GRISEL GARCIA Bilingual Quality Navigator
CAMI HARRIS Director of Communications
MONICA IBARRA Director of Program Services
CARMELLA KRUPICKA Early Childhood Quality Coach
LUISA LEMUS
Director of Coaching Services
MIRIAM OLIVA SALGADO
Bilingual Early Childhood Quality Coach
CECILIA RAMIREZ
Bilingual Early Childhood Quality Coach
JILL ROCHA
Early Childhood Quality Coach
ALEXIS RODRIGUEZ-HEFTY Bilingual Training Coordination Manager
JODI ROSEN Human Resources Manager
MARIAH SAUCEDO Training Coordination Assistant
MARGARET SCRUGGS Director of Accounting & Data
KAREN THIEL Director of Navigation Services
EMILY URBINA
Bilingual Early Childhood Quality Coach
CHÉ WALKER
Early Childhood Career Navigator
Thank You: Supporters & Partners
Individual Donors
Alex Hellrung
Alexis Rodriguez
Alicia Boston
Andrew Newman
Andrew Mootz
Andy Reid
Anisa Ben Idris
Barbara Kottke
Benjamin Burrows
Bill Reid
Brendon Hofsetz
Casey Myers
Christa Cecere
Cindy Sanders
David Mauro
Debra Deverell
Diana Romero Campbell
Dora Esparza
Earnestine A. Woodberry
Ellen Mattingly
Ellen Woods
Emily Belden
Erin Curtin
Hayley Harang
Holly Fedak
Jane Walsh
Jean Plotkin
Jennifer Merva Stedron
Jessica Nelson
Jessica T. Arnold
Jill Rocha
Jo O’Shea
Joseph Medina
Justin Sykes
Kathryn Burns
Kathy Myers
Kent and Meg Woods
Kimberly Siffring
Kit Karbler
Kristi Franko
Lisa Altenburg
Lorena Mendez
Louise Haglind
Lucy Mullen Davis
Mandi Ericson
Margaret Scruggs
Community Partners
Assuring Better Child Health and Development
Buell Foundation
Center for Work Education and Employment
Clayton Early Learning
Colorado Children’s Campaign
Colorado Gives Day Foundation
Colorado Health Foundation
Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Delta Dental Foundation
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Denver Preschool Program
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance
Early Childhood Health Outdoors
Early Learning Ventures
Early Milestones Colorado
Mary Ann Downs
Mary Olsen
Maura McGrath
Melinda Shelby
Michael Persichitte
Murtaza Adam
Pat Hart
Paul and Susan Kortarba
Pedro Mendez
Penny Shelby
Priscilla Hopkins
Richard Knapp
Rose Santis
Sara Hare
Shelby Mattingly
Taran Schneider
Terry Mattingly
Tracy Seul
Tyler Hicks-Wright
Valerie Gonzales
Wendy Allen
Empowering Communities Globally
EPIC: Executives Partnering to Invest in Children
Healthy Child Care Colorado
LENA
Mile High Early Learning
Mile High United Way
National Wildlife Federation
Posner Center for International Development
Rocky Mountain PBS
Sewall Child Development Center
TEACH Colorado
The Colorado Association for the Education of
Young Children
The Efshar Project
The Conflict Center
The Denver Foundation
WellPower
Government and Municipal Partners
Bixby School
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
City of Denver
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
County of Denver
Denver Department of Excise and License
Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
Denver Fire Department
Denver Human Services Child Care Assistance Program
Denver Library
Denver Office of Children’s Affairs
Denver Public Schools
Denver Water
Early Intervention, Rocky Mountain Human Services
Metropolitan State University, Early Childhood Education
Red Rocks Community College
Rocky Mountain Human Services
University of Colorado Denver School of Education and Human Development
Corporate Partners
2nd Star to the Right bookstore
4240 Architecture Inc.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
Colorado Avalanche
Comedy Works
Common Threads
Community Playthings
Constructive Playthings
Denver Marriott Tech Center
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Discount School Supply
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
Hatch Early Learning
Hilton Garden Inn Denver-Cherry Creek Hotel in Colorado
John Bosley Photography
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Lillio
Mici Italian
Mind Body Bedtime
Olde Town Exchange
Park Hill Yoga
Pepsi Center
Raelin Press
Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen
Sam’s No. 3 Diner and Bar
Scrumptious
Snobahn Action Sports Center
Space Gallery
Strange Craft Beer Company
Swallow Hill Music
Tattered Cover Bookstore
The Family Jones: Distillery & Spirit House
The Learning Carpet
The Melting Pot
The Pioneer Bar
Wander and Graze
Wish Gifts Denver
Y.Lo Epicure
Connect With Us:
@DenversEarlyChildhoodCouncil
@denver_eccouncil
Denver’s Early Childhood Council info@denverearlychildhood.org
(303) 297-1800
denverearlychildhood.org
