We are ECCLC

Colorado Universal Preschool

ECCLC is thrilled to be Larimer County’s Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Colorado Universal Preschool. Learn how to access 15 hours a week of free, high-quality, preschool available to every Colorado child in the year before entering kindergarten.

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Our Services

Early Childhood Provider Resources

Parent, Family & Caregiver

Resources

Universal Preschool Colorado

Early Childhood Career Support

Larimer Thrive by Five

Be Ready for Kindergarten

Featured Events

Foundations of Social Emotional Learning

We will explore a variety of social-emotional topics designed to support you in your daily interactions with young children. This group is hosted by the ECCLC Coaching and ECMH Consulting teams.

2nd and 4th Monday of the Month
6:30-7:45pm
Online via Zoom

Spring Social for Early Childhood Providers

ECCLC is hosting a Spring Social. Come enjoy a FREE dinner, an interactive provider panel, Wellness Activity, fun and practical raffle prizes, and the opportunity to socialize with fellow providers!

April 10th, 2025

6:00pm-8:00pm
112 E Willow St, Ft Collins, CO 80524

RSVP

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Benefit for ECCLC

Ben & Jerry's is hosting a mini fundraiser for ECCLC. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to our organization. We will have fun giveaways and info about our work. Come enjoy a treat with us!

April 15th, 2025

5:00pm-7:00pm
Old Town Square, Ft Collins

Make a Circle documentary
film screening

ECCLC is hosting two screenings of the "Make a Circle" documentary on May 14th and 15th. May 14th is ECE Provider Night and May 15th is open to the public! Tickets are free but RSVP is required.

May 14-15, 2025
6:00pm-9:00pm
The Lyric Cinema, Fort Collins

RSVP

Community of Practice for Directors and Asst. Directors

Join us in a community designed to support directors, assistant directors, and all who are on the administrative team.
Hosted by Heather Soderberg (EC Coaching Manager) and other experts from ECCLC.

3rd Thursday of the Month

9:30am-10:45am
Online via Zoom

Calendar of Events

Our staff at ECCLC had a fantastic time attending the 19th Annual WomenGive Luncheon! It was a great opportunity to connect with our partners and friends at United Way of Larimer County while supporting an important cause. Women empowering women is something we wholeheartedly support, and we're grateful to be part of this incredible event!

Helping kids grow is a reward like no other. Teach our youngest kids and find joy in your job. Learn more about how TEACH Colorado can help you become an early childhood teacher! https://ontch.org/teacheceLEA

Thank you to everyone who attended the Colorado Eagles game and participated in the Diaper Derby. We had a great time connecting with our community, sharing resources, and raising awareness about early childhood in Larimer County.

To stay connected or to learn how you can get involved in local early childhood initiatives, visit LarimerThrivebyFive.org

It all begins with the lessons learned in the first few years. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for essential social and emotional skills for a lifetime. Learn more about how to become an early childhood teacher in Colorado here: https://ontch.org/teachECEColorado

Early Childhood Council of Larimer County will close our offices from December 24th - January 1st. We look forward to celebrating and relaxing with our family and friends and hope you can do the same. Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season!

Will you have an infant who will be crawling by January 19th? If so, enter them to participate in the Baby Races at the @coloradoeagleshockey hockey game.

Simply share your childcare story–were you able to find care, did you have to leave your job to stay home with your child, is a family member or friend helping out?

Everyone who comments will be entered to have their crawling infant battle it out during the January 19th Eagles’ game (puck drops at 3:05 pm).🏒🏒🏒

We’ll select up to 4 crawling infants to participate in the fun, and each infant will get two tickets to the game; children under 2 are free!🎟

Colorado’s youngest students need passionate teachers for their first steps in school. Be at the forefront of joy, wonder, and curiosity. Learn more about how to become an early childhood teacher in Colorado here: https://ontch.org/teachECEColorado

Colorado Universal Preschool family registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! All children in Colorado can register for up to 15 hours per week of funding for high-quality preschool in their year before kindergarten. Plus, many families might qualify for additional hours based on qualifying factors! Register today at upk.colorado.gov.

Today is Colorado Gives Day, and it's your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join the statewide wave of generosity!

We asked child care providers to describe their child care program in one word. Their responses highlight the importance of these programs in our community, showing just how essential they are for supporting children and families in Larimer County.

Your donation supports crucial programs like these to support families in accessing childcare and educators in creating and thriving in high-quality classrooms and ensuring mental health access for children and their caregivers. #Coloradogivesday #givewhereyoulive #earlychildhood

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EarlyChildhoodCouncilofLarimerCounty

Tomorrow, December 10, is Colorado Gives Day, and it's your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join the statewide wave of generosity! It's easily the best day to give.

Your contribution will directly support Early Childhood Council of Larimer County's mission to bring the community together to share knowledge and resources, build expertise, and work collaboratively to ensure that all young children in Larimer County have the care, support, and opportunities necessary to grow, learn and succeed. For example, your donation supports crucial programs that enable families to access childcare, educators to create and thrive in high-quality classrooms, and ensure mental health access for children and their caregivers.

Contributions to Early Childhood Council of Larimer County qualify for the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. In addition to the standard Federal and State income tax deductions, you may be eligible to deduct an additional 50% of the value of your monetary gift from your Colorado State income taxes. Consult with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EarlyChildhoodCouncilofLarimerCounty

Get ready to give where you live! This #GivingTuesday, join us in supporting the incredible nonprofits that make our community thrive. Together, we can make a significant impact right here at home. Whether it’s donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every effort counts! Let’s show our love for our community and make a difference. ❤️ #GiveWhereYouLive #GivingTuesday #CommunityFirst #ColoradoGivesDay

Contributions to Early Childhood Council of Larimer County qualify for the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. In addition to the standard Federal and State income tax deductions, you may be eligible to deduct an additional 50% of the value of your monetary gift from your Colorado State income taxes. Consult with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EarlyChildhoodCouncilofLarimerCounty?fbclid=IwY2xjawG62f5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUyL732O8wKd7XY5J1pUahUvISuFGqzKcFLaU-_namrpk-rgzWNTNUfIvQ_aem_3_QzrHGQlV-fBeff0erz-g

It's the time of year when we take a moment to reflect on the things we are most grateful for. At Early Childhood Council of Larimer County, we can't help but feel gratitude for your continued support as we work to ensure every young child in our community has quality early childhood experiences so they thrive from day one.

Whether you are an educator, collaborator, early childhood champion, or simply care about the youngest in our community, YOU are making a difference. Thank you!

One of the ways in which Early Childhood Council of Larimer County reflects, reboots, and refreshes during this time is by closing our office for the entire week of Thanksgiving (November 25-29). While our work is essential, so is taking time to unplug and connect with family and friends. We hope you find time to do the same and enjoy those you care about most.

Our office will be back open on Monday, December 2nd, and our team will be ready to end this calendar year with renewed momentum. We wish you a very happy & healthy holiday week ahead. We are grateful for YOU!

Less than three weeks are left until Colorado Gives Day, and early giving is open NOW! Let's come together to positively impact and uplift the children and families in our community. No matter the size, every donation helps fund essential programs and initiatives to create lasting change!

Give today at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EarlyChildhoodCouncilofLarimerCounty.

#ColoradoGivesDay #MakeGoodHappen #BestDaytoGive

As the election results settle in, I want to take a moment to connect and reflect on the steady path forward we are building together. Our work remains rooted in supporting children, families, and our community with a spirit of resilience, kindness, and unwavering integrity. No matter how the political landscape may shift, our commitment to creating a better world for young children is as strong as ever.

In uncertain times, our organization strives to be an example of stability and compassion. Together, we have built a foundation that allows us to thrive, and this resilience is something we bring not only to our work but also to the communities we serve. By modeling kindness and integrity, we show the children, educators, and families around us that even when times feel challenging, there are people and organizations they can depend on.

ECCLC remains financially strong, and our purpose is clear. Our focus on supporting the early childhood system remains steady, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize stability and positive impact. Let’s carry forward with open hearts, treating each other and those we serve with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Our collective resilience and care for one another will continue to strengthen our community as a whole.

-Christina Taylor, Chief Executive Officer

Do you know or have an exceptional early childhood educator in your life? Using the link below, nominate them for the Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award. Please tell us why you think they deserve a nomination for this award, and we will tally the results! The winner of this award will receive recognition at our 3rd Annual Early Childhood Provider Appreciation Awards. The educator MUST be licensed in Larimer County!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8I0pbwMDNEOYetBp-wRfhir-MToDaQJTFpr-zzadFJ5kVFQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Early giving starts today!

From November 1st through December 10th, every donation you make will be boosted with a $1M+ Incentive Fund, made possible by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. Each nonprofit will receive a share of the fund based on their percentage of the total raised. Plus, if you set up a new monthly donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly donation up to $100 and up to $250,000 in total across all organizations! This is a fantastic opportunity to double your impact and support our efforts to support Early Childhood Council of Larimer County's mission to bring the community together to share knowledge and resources, build expertise and work collaboratively to ensure that all young children in Larimer County have the care, support and opportunities necessary to grow, learn and succeed.

Last year, Coloradans raised over $54 million statewide, and Early Childhood Council of Larimer County raised $2,149. You can help us achieve even more.

Thank you for your support and making this Colorado Gives Day the most successful yet.

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EarlyChildhoodCouncilofLarimerCounty

It’s ECCLCs favorite day of the year! Every Halloween, we look forward to handing out candy to the little ghosts and goblins of Teaching Tree Learning Center - there was even a Chappell Roan sighting.

🎃We hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

On Monday, we hosted the inaugural Northern Colorado Child Care Innovation Summit in partnership with the The Early Childhood Council of Boulder County, United Way Weld County, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and the City of Longmont, Colorado Government!

Bringing together 200 attendees across Weld, Larimer, and Boulder counties, we centered around collaboration, holding meaningful discussions, and sharing insight on ways to find innovative solutions to our region's child care challenges.

Our commitment to this cause is unwavering. We are dedicated to building a stronger future for our children, families, and communities, and we believe that together, we can achieve more.

#ChildCareInnovation #EarlyChildhood #NorthernColorado #CommunityImpact #Collaboration

Special thanks to: Elliot Haspel, Christina N. Taylor, MPH, Adriana Carrillo Matt Eldred Lisa Roy, Dr. Rebecca Vlasin and many more!

Are you interested in becoming an early childhood educator? If so, there’s a job for you, and our partner TEACH Colorado may be able to reimburse you up to $100 for application-related expenses. Join us on October 8 to learn more about how to become an early childhood educator! RSVP here: https://ontch.org/ECENorthernCO

Are you a friend, family, or neighbor caring for littles in Estes Park? Then this training is for YOU! Child care is a huge challenge in Northern Colorado, but we know community can come together to care for our youth. We've partnered with EVICS to host a training for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care providers. Spots are limited, so register today! This training is available in both English & Spanish!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRoGSiqoBP2kpqPjpWMoH18ip1dfE5MH_SapkAnFQjj7nESg/viewform

Do you love children and want to be your own boss? Become a Family Child Care Home (FCCH) provider! Early Childhood Council of Larimer County supports Larimer County residents as they navigate the licensing process and offers financial incentives to new providers. Fill out the interest form for more information.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWe0NvAtizlRf5ufxl1J3xCuYLLrOqZfgOlPhJRki1mpZ2kA/viewform

Are you an early childhood assistant teacher or paraprofessional interested in becoming a lead teacher in Northern Colorado? Join us and our friends at TEACH Colorado on October 8 to learn more about how to get started! RSVP here: https://ontch.org/ECENorthernCO

Last week, members of our Colorado Universal Preschool and Early Childhood Coaching teams joined Governor Polis at Playcrafter Kids to kick off the second year of Universal Preschool. It was great celebrating with the preschoolers and their parents. We are excited for another year of Colorado Universal Preschool positively impacting families and children in our community!

Esta usted cordialmente invitado(a) a una presentación en español sobre información de la primera infancia del estado de Colorado, CDEC (por sus siglas en inglés).

Esto será con el fin de contestar dudas, inquietudes y preguntas sobre el proceso de Pre licencia y Licencia del cuidado infantil en sus hogares.

Favor llenar este formulario para registrarse en la reunión. SE REQUIRE REGISTRO. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeNeG5yrCnxBh.../viewform

Si tiene preguntas por favor dirigirse a aallison@ecclc.org.

You are cordially invited to a presentation in Spanish on early childhood information from the state of Colorado, CDEC.

This will be in order to answer doubts, concerns and questions about the Pre-licensing and Licensing process for child care in their homes.

Please fill out this form to register for the meeting. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeNeG5yrCnxBh.../viewform

If you have questions please contact aallison@ecclc.org.

We are excited to invite you to join us on September 30th for the Inaugural Northern Colorado Child Care Innovation Summit! This event will unite policymakers, business leaders, child care providers, and passionate community members to explore innovative solutions for making child care more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Spots are limited, so don't miss your chance to be part of the change! Register now and help shape the future of child care in our community.

In partnership with the City of Longmont, Colorado Government, The Early Childhood Council of Boulder County, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Council of Weld County

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=427h0Gb90Eeibog5uiuMklwImJr68k1Ln0QlzC4tRmdUNUdZMkdSMUU2QlFLQkdGWFFFMk9YQk4wNy4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawEwTWhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYWWT3omj8tRbVWYtp37XO-Tl7tbomNHZgtjQArGI4Gnh0iPcMcCSsoDhw_aem_klNGk59ygYDRj5L30-FXOw

Part 2 - Today we made a candy salad and celebrated our AMAZING Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Lauren Powers, as she reaches her 20th anniversary with ECCLC.

Lauren’s commitment to our agency and early childhood has positively impacted everyone she collaborates with. She is a wealth of knowledge, quick to take action and the voice of reason everyone needs. ECCLC has been so lucky to have her for the last 20 years, and we look forward to the next 20!

Part 1 - Today we made a candy salad and celebrated our AMAZING Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Lauren Powers, as she reaches her 20th anniversary with ECCLC.

Lauren’s commitment to our agency and early childhood has positively impacted everyone she collaborates with. She is a wealth of knowledge, quick to take action and the voice of reason everyone needs. ECCLC has been so lucky to have her for the last 20 years, and we look forward to the next 20!

All Our Kin Business Series offers family child care home providers lessons to help them understand the business side of running a child care program as well as opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field. The course covers time-space ratios, budgeting, contracting, marketing, taxes and more through instructor presentations, reading, activities, and open-ended discussions. If interested, complete the form below!
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdMEE6QOcgc8k.../viewform

LarimerChildCare.org is a free website for local families to find childcare based on their preferences, including proximity to home or work, program type, program season, and more. The site includes information supplied and regularly updated by early care and education providers as well as their Colorado Shines quality rating, which is given by the state based on the licensed provider meeting basic health and safety standards. Visit LarimerChildCare.org to find and compare childcare based on your preferences!

With the Alexander Mountain Fire continuing to impact our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, Early Childhood Council of Larimer County remains committed to ensuring our community has access to information and support. Visit our website for helpful links and resources! https://ecclc.org/alexander-mountain-fire/

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Follow us on Instagram

@earlychildhoodcouncillc

Contact Us

424 Pine Street, Ste 201

Fort Collins, CO 80524

1-970-377-3388

info@ecclc.org

ECCLC is thrilled to be Larimer County’s Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Colorado Universal Preschool. Learn how to access 15 hours a week of free, high-quality, preschool available to every Colorado child in the year before entering kindergarten.

Our Services

Community Initiatives

Reports and Publications

Featured Events

Foundations of Social Emotional Learning

Spring Social for Early Childhood Providers

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Benefit for ECCLC

Make a Circle documentary
film screening

Community of Practice for Directors and Asst. Directors

Calendar of Events

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

Follow us on Instagram

Contact Us

ECCLC is thrilled to be Larimer County’s Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Colorado Universal Preschool. Learn how to access 15 hours a week of free, high-quality, preschool available to every Colorado child in the year before entering kindergarten.

Our Services

Community Initiatives

Reports and Publications

Featured Events

Foundations of Social Emotional Learning

Spring Social for Early Childhood Providers

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Benefit for ECCLC

Make a Circle documentary film screening

Community of Practice for Directors and Asst. Directors

Calendar of Events

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

​

Follow us on Instagram

Contact Us

Make a Circle documentary
film screening