Early Childhood Resource Links

The Preschool Team has curated the early childhood resources below based on various topics.

State Resources

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

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Curriculum

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Meal Time

• Meal Standards of Programs [excel] (2022) - This document clarifies meal standards across the following Child Nutrition Programs: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP), Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS), and Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations.
• Meal Time Phrases that Help and Hinder - Feeding America 
• Nutrition Education: Resources for Preschool - USDA Institute of Child Nutrition

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Leadership

• 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)

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Early Childhood Social Emotional Learning Resources

The CDE Preschool Team encourages evidence-based practices and high quality learning experiences for every young child. Social Emotional Learning during early childhood is a critical element of preschool programs.

"Children develop best when they have secure, consistent, relationships with responsive adults and opportunities for positive relationships with peers" (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009)

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