1/16/25 ECEA Child Care Update
Is ECEA Making a Difference for YOU??
2025 is ECEA's 40th Anniversary! In recent years you've seen all kinds of activity and industry advocacy from our organization. We know that many of you are struggling! We are asking that you consider donating what you can to ECEA. Even $40 to recognize our 40th year would be GREATLY appreciated!! Donate today at: https://theearlychildhoodeducationassociationofcolorado.growthzoneapp.com/ap/contribute/MrDkvQLx
Industry News
Study finds Colorado regulations among highest in nation, costing jobs
Weld County joining other counties in freezing enrollment for childcare assistance
Douglas County School District under federal investigation by Department of Justice
Residents warned after mountain lion spotted in Denver metro area
CO Universal Preschool: Emergent and Early Literacy Alignment Report
The 2025 poverty guidelines have been finalized. Although they will not be published in the Federal Register until January 17, you can access the guidelines online at our web site at "https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty". As in prior years, the 2025 poverty guidelines were calculated by taking the most recent poverty thresholds published by the Census Bureau, adjusted for price changes through the most recent completed year. This year the price change was 2.9%. The updated 2025 poverty guideline for a family of four is $32,150, compared to the 2024 poverty guideline of $31,200. For additional information about the poverty guidelines, including tables showing different percentages of the guidelines and guidelines from previous years, visit our website.
Here are three links to tools that calculate different multiples of the poverty guidelines.
Annual Required Parent Immunization Letters
Annual Parent Letters for school (K-12) and child care for the 2025-26 school year have been updated.
By February 15, per Colorado Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2, schools and child cares are required to directly distribute the Annual Parent Letter to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of every enrolled student.
Schools and child cares are required to include the school's specific immunization and exemption rates for the MMR vaccine for the school's enrolled student population from the prior school year (2023-24).
School and child cares may include the school's specific immunization and exemption rates for other school-required vaccines for the school's enrolled student population from the prior school year (2023-24).
Rates from the 2023-24 school year are located on the Department’s public immunization data dashboard.
The Annual Parent Letters are available on the Department’s website in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, Karen, Korean, Nepali (coming soon), Russian, Somali, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Child care resources page (for child care, preschools, and Head Start).
School resources page (for K-12th grade).
Please take this opportunity to review your school’s website and physical space to ensure that outdated immunization forms have been replaced and/or are linked to the most current versions:
Annual Parent Letter for child care and school (K-12),
From all of us at the Immunization Branch, thank you for your continued partnership in protecting the health and safety of Colorado’s children, schools, and communities.
Questions? Contact the School and Child Care Nurse Consultant, Sara Lopez at sara.lopez@state.co.us.
The Colorado Pyramid Model Training--spaces are running out!
https://www.eceabrightfoundation.org/services-4
Cost: $350 per person!
Spaces are limited! ECEA members get a guarantee...if your staff member quits during the training you get a free credit to be used within one calendar year!
SIGN UP HERE: https://memberportal.coloradoecea.org/ap/Events/Register/52Fz5K1FbCWCq
The report evaluates whether or not programs that accept subsidies receive more licensing violations.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/licensing-violations-and-program-characteristics-child-care-and-early-education
Family Affordability Tax Credit Reminder--Tell your families!
It's tax time! Many residents of Colorado are eligible for thousands of dollars in tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). However, nearly a quarter of those eligible miss out on these benefits. You don't need to earn a high income to qualify for the CTC or EITC, but it is necessary to file a state of Colorado tax return for this credit. Starting in 2025, Colorado families with children will be able to access the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC).
Here’s how it works:
- Up to $3,200 for each eligible child aged 5 years old and younger as of Dec 31, 2024
- Up to $2,400 for each eligible child ages 6 to 16 as of Dec 31, 2024
Additionally, parents with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can qualify for the credit if their children have a Social Security Number (SSN), which can also be up to $3,200 per young child. To receive this credit, you must file a State of Colorado tax return. File your taxes securely and for free at GetAheadColorado.org.
Memberships start at $5 a month!