October 8, Updates
Workshops and Professional Development Opportunities
Wildfire Smoke Ready School Workshop
This free workshop covers wildfire smoke preparedness and ways to manage indoor air quality in schools.
Participants can:
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Learn about air quality sensor loan programs
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Explore educational opportunities that teach students about wildfire smoke
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Ask experts questions about air quality and building management
Date and time: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Register for the Wildfire Smoke Ready School Workshop
Professional Development Conference
The Douglas County Child Care Association is hosting a one-day professional development conference.
View the professional development conference flyer for more information and registration details.
Parent Connection Event
The Jefferson County Home Visitation Collaborative is hosting a fall event for families with young children!
What: Fall family connection event! Join us for an outdoor fall activity, food and drinks.
When: Saturday, October 10th 11am to 1pm
Where: Edgewater Library
1800 North Harlan Street
Edgewater, CO 80214
We will meet outside of the library and walk to the park.
Registration Link: Jeffco Parent Connection Event Registration/ Registro para el evento Conexión de padres de Jeffco
Questions? Contact info@gatewayearlychildhood.org
September 8, updates.
Provider Support and Upcoming Opportunities
Find upcoming support sessions, training, surveys and resources for child care providers and families.
September Provider Support Session
Join the next Provider Support Session on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. We will answer child care provider questions and share general announcements from Gateway Partnership.
Registration is not required.
Incredible Years Class for Parents and Caregivers
Jefferson Center is offering a free Incredible Years class for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 6. The virtual class starts Wednesday, Sept. 9 and will be offered in English.
The classes are designed to support parents and caregivers, strengthen relationships with their children and promote children's social, emotional and academic skills.
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For questions, email Leigh Kallechey
Emergency Response Training for Child Care Programs
Child Care Aware of America is offering a free emergency response training for early childhood professionals on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The interactive training will cover practical strategies for preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies in child care programs.
Colorado Family Well-Being Survey
Early Milestones Colorado has launched the Colorado Family Well-Being Survey to better understand the needs and experiences of families across the state.
The survey asks families about how they define well-being, their trust in local and state solutions and their child care needs and supports.
Parents and caregivers can participate if they:
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Currently live in Colorado.
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Have a child age 8 or younger.
The survey is available in English and Spanish. Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle for one of several $50 gift cards to a store of their choice.
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For questions, email Sowmya Ramanathan.
Colorado Pyramid Model Opportunities
Early childhood professionals interested in Pyramid Model training can participate in several upcoming opportunities.
2026 Colorado Pyramid Model Convening
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Date and time: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Location: Virtual
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Cost: $45
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Theme: Belonging Begins Here — Building Foundations, Sustaining Growth
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Audience: New and experienced Pyramid Model implementers
Prevent/Teach/Reinforce for Young Children
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Dates: Monday, Nov. 9, to Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026
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Location: Virtual
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Cost: $130, including the book
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Audience: People who support young children and families with behavior intervention processes
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Professional development: Eight hours
Save the Dates
TPITOS Reliability Workshop: Jan. 26, 27 and 29, 2027, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
TPOT Reliability Workshop: Feb. 8, 9 and 11, 2027, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Colorado Shines Quality Improvement Program
Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek early childhood programs can apply for the 2026-27 Colorado Shines Quality Improvement Program.
Funding can support:
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Coaching
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Professional development
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Materials
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Support for higher Colorado Shines levels
During the Quality Rating and Improvement System refresh, providers may still apply for Level 2 or provisional Level 3.
View Colorado Shines Quality Improvement funding information
Apply through the Provider Hub
After an application is submitted, staff will connect with the program to finalize the memorandum of understanding and start or update the Quality Improvement Plan.
Programs will work with a Quality Improvement coach and specialist to plan coaching cycles, implement improvement strategies, review assessments and manage Quality Improvement subsidies to track progress.
Parenting 101 at Evergreen Public Library
Expecting parents and caregivers can attend a four-part parenting series at Evergreen Public Library. The series covers prenatal and postnatal care, preparing for a new baby, community resources and family support services.
Sessions are scheduled for:
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Monday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Monday, Sept. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Monday, Sept. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
View Parenting 101 event information
Family Playdate Series at Gilpin County Public Library
Young families can gather at Gilpin County Public Library on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon to play, grow and connect.
Fall dates are:
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Saturday, September 26
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Saturday, October 24
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Saturday, November 21
August 18, 2026 Update.
Preferred & Marketplace Vendor Requirement
Starting in Fiscal Year 2026–27, in alignment with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) fraud prevention and risk management policies, all early learning materials purchased with Quality Improvement (QI) funds must be ordered directly through CDEC-approved Preferred or Marketplace Vendors within the QRIS Provider Hub.
Reimbursement will still be available for the following:
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Curriculum (must be an approved Universal Preschool curriculum from the linked document)
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Substitute Teacher Cost
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Technical Assistance/PD outside the Quality Improvement Module (QIM)
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Program Accreditation
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Translation and Interpretation Services related to a QIP goal
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Anything not listed above, contact Gateway Partnership for approval
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All reimbursements must directly tie to a Quality Improvement Goal!
September Provider Listening Sessions
In September, we will shift to “Provider Support Sessions,” designed to support any childcare provider participating in the Quality Improvement Coaching Program or Universal Preschool (UPK).
We’ll also share general announcements from Gateway Partnership of interest to any child care provider.
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Please join us on Wednesday, September 16 from 1 to 2:00 pm. No need to register!