Early Learning & School Readiness

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) recognizes the importance of a child’s early years and parents as the most significant influence in a child’s life. CDE further recognizes that there are children and their families who are more vulnerable than others because of risk factors within their lives and the limitations of available supports and resources.

It is the policy of CDE to support high quality, developmentally appropriate, family-centered services that are available to all children and that value and respect the diversity of individual children and families. CDE commits to the elimination of systemic barriers that impede the positive development of children and their families.

CDE's Office of Early Learning & School Readiness collectively work together to prevent the achievement gap and promote student success by insuring that all of Colorado's youngest children are physically, emotionally, socially and academically ready for school from the very beginning.