Douglas County Early Childhood Council

09/04/2026

🍂✨ Wondering when the fall leaves will peak in Colorado and where the best spots are for leaf peeping? Look no further! We've got the fall foliage map and all the details on where to go with your family for a colorful fall adventure during the 2025 season. Check it out here: https://highlandsranch.macaronikid.com/articles/66ec4c69adae7d52618003a0/leaf-peeping-in-douglas-county-and-beyond?utm_source=dynamic-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3496753352&utm_content=leaf-peeping-in-douglas-county-and-beyond 🍁🌄

Wondering when the fall leaves will peak in Colorado and where the best spots are for leaf peeping? Look no further! We've got the fall foliage map and…

09/02/2026

🌟 Investing in the future of education starts with supporting our educators! Research shows that those with higher education have a deeper understanding of child development and are more attuned to the needs of young children. 🎓✨

Let's make professional development pathways more accessible through scholarships! Together, we can empower more prospective educators to thrive and ensure our children receive the best care and education possible. 💖👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

Learn more on our website: https://dcearlychildhood.org/for-providers/financial-resources/

08/29/2026

As parents, we all know the struggle of finding healthy snacks that our kids will actually eat. It can be easy to grab a bag of chips or a sugary treat, but those options aren't the best for our kids' health. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and healthy snack ideas that kids will love! 🌟🥕🍏

Here are 10 favorites to help you get started:

👉https://highlandsranch.macaronikid.com/articles/6a86710bba191eb3a0650e2a/10-healthy-snacks-kids-will-love?utm_source=dynamic-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3478219049&utm_content=10-healthy-snacks-kids-will-love

As parents, we all know the struggle of finding healthy snacks that our kids will actually eat. It can be easy to grab a bag of chips or a sugary treat, but…

08/28/2026

Preschoolers are learning and exploring all about the world around them, and that includes making sense of technology. They can begin to understand AI, but they need adults to guide them.

AI may talk, answer, and act friendly, but it is still a tool made by people. Young children need clear, simple explanations and lots of real-world connection. Most of all, they need to know that people, not machines, are their trusted sources for love, care, safety and help.

Dive deeper into what preschoolers understand about AI via link in bio ZERO TO THREE

08/26/2026

Here at Douglas County Early Childhood Council, we like to continually provide resources to you.

🌟 The Third Place for Kids is a nonprofit sensory-focused community center for families raising neurodivergent or disabled children. It is a place where kids can laugh, play, and connect – and where caregivers can find comfort, support, and a true sense of belonging. Every visit, every celebration, and every partnership helps us grow a community built on inclusion, care, and joy.

Learn more about this amazing resource: https://www.thethirdplaceforkids.org

Also, check our website for additional resources as needed: https://dcearlychildhood.org/for-families/

Our new community center for children offers many programs and services for children who need safe spaces, expert care as well as support for families looking for things to do outside of school.

08/24/2026

🌟 BRAIN-BUILDING THROUGH PLAY! 🌟

Did you know that play is crucial for babies' development? It lays the groundwork for strong brain architecture, lifelong health, and resilience! 🧠💪

Here are 6 fun games to play with your little one (6 months old):

1. Hiding Games: Peek-a-boo is a classic! It helps them understand object permanence.
2. Finger Play: Sing songs with hand movements to encourage coordination.
3. Conversation Games: Talk to your baby and let them respond in their own way; it boosts language skills.

💡 Remember to follow your baby's lead during playtime! Let them choose what they want to do and how long they want to play.

For more tips, check out Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

🎉👶

08/22/2026

🚨 We are hiring! 🚨 Spread the word!

🌟 Job Title: Early Care and Education (ECE) Quality Improvement Coach 🌟

Are you passionate about early childhood education? Join our team as a Quality Improvement Coach and make a difference in Douglas County!

📍 **Position Highlights:**
- Work-from-home independent contractor
- 30-40 hours/week
- $45-$100/hour based on experience

**Responsibilities include:**
- Coaching licensed childcare programs to enhance quality
- Supporting providers with Quality Improvement Plans
- Collaborating with various early childhood professionals

**Qualifications:**
- Colorado Coaching Credential
- 3+ years of early care experience
- Strong communication and organizational skills

Ready to take the next step? Send your Letter of Interest and Resume to Diane Smith at [email protected].

Let's work together to ensure high-quality early learning for our children! 🌈

08/21/2026

Ready to start your early childhood teaching journey? 🌟 Join TEACH Colorado and CDEC to learn how to use PDIS to access free professional development, explore qualifications, and discover the support available to help you become a qualified teacher!

📆 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 4 pm

Check it out here: https://ontch.org/Aug25PDIS

Learn how to use the Professional Development Information System (PDIS) on your early childhood teaching pathway.

08/19/2026

Searching for high-quality resources for your little one? 🧠 The Douglas County Early Childhood Council (DCECC) is here to help!

Learn more: https://dcearlychildhood.org/

08/17/2026

🌱 The first five years are a big deal!

A child’s early learning experiences help shape how they grow, learn, and thrive—not just during childhood, but throughout their lives.

That’s why the Douglas County Early Childhood Council is here to connect families and early childhood providers with resources, support, and information designed to help young children get the best possible start.

From finding quality child care to parenting resources and early learning information, you don’t have to navigate the early years alone. ❤️

👉 Explore resources for families and young children at dcearlychildhood.org