Early Childhood Resource Links

Colorado Resources

• Preschool Through 3rd Grade Office Resources
• Office of Early Childhood
  • Colorado Shines
• Colorado Department of Human Services
  • Learn more about Early Childhood Teacher Qualifications and Director Qualifications 
• Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC)

Curriculum

• Research-Based Curricula and Teaching Practices - Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center 

Dual Language Learners 

• Head Start - Dual Language Learner Toolkit
• Colorín Colorado - A bilingual site for families and educators of English language learners PreK-3rd grade
  • Resources for ELLs in Preschool
• PreK-3rd: Challenging Common Myths about Dual Language Learners; An Update to the Seminal 2008 Report  - Foundation for Child Development (2013)
• Hearing Language is Learning - National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (PDF)
• Growing Up as a Dual Language Learner - National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (PDF)
• Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism - National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (PDF)

Community Partnerships and Planning for Diverse Student Populations

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• Better Outcomes for All: Promoting Partnerships between Head Start and State Pre-K - PEW (2007)
• Beyond the School Yard: Pre-K Collaborations with Community-Based Partners  - PEW (2009)

Research

• National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)
• Center on the Developing Child - Harvard University
• National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC)
• Mental Health Colorado - Early Childhood Mental Health Toolkit (2018)

Kindergarten Transition Resources

• Are You Ready? A Family's Guide to Starting Kindergarten - Silicon Valley Community Foundation (2014)(PDF)
• Transition Planning Resources - Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center 
• School Readiness Infographic - Zero to Three (2013)
• Early Matters: Integrating Attendance Into Kindergarten Transition - Attendance Works (2019)

Meal Time

• Meal Time Phrases that Help and Hinder - Feeding America 
• Nutrition Education: Resources for Preschool - USDA Institute of Child Nutrition

Leadership by Educators and Administrators

• PreK-3rd: How Superintendents Lead Change - Foundation for Child Development (2010)
• Ready or Not: Leadership Choices in Early Care and Education - Foundation for Child Development (2010)
• PreK-3rd: Principals as Crucial Instructional Leaders - Foundation for Child Development (2011)

Family Engagement

• Family Engagement Toolkit - Build Initiative
• Toolkit of Resources for Engaging Families and the Community as Partners in Education - Regional Educational Laboratory Program