Coloradans interested in learning more about early childhood services now have a free one-stop resource available online.
The University of Denver’s Marsico Institute for Early Learning and Literacy—building on the Smart Start Colorado Web site and research by the Piton Foundation—established the Early Childhood Colorado Information Clearinghouse.
The clearinghouse will collect information from a patchwork of public and private agencies from across the state of Colorado. It was also developed with input from early childhood advocates and stakeholders.
“Finding information and services can be confusing and frustrating for families, child care providers, pediatricians and others seeking help for young children,” says Ginger Maloney, director of the Marsico Institute. “We hope this site will provide an easy-to-access, Web-based information hub for everyone in Colorado who cares about very young children.”
The clearinghouse provides access to:
• A searchable database of agencies that offer early learning, mental health, family support, and health services to young children and their families.
• Early childhood systems-building tools for local councils and community stakeholders.
• Research reports that can guide policy and practice.
• A library of video clips for parent education or professional development purposes.
• Minutes, agenda, and schedules for meetings of statewide early childhood committees.
• A list of job openings in the field of early childhood.
• A calendar of meetings, professional development opportunities and events.
Individuals and organizations that become members of the Web site can add and update information on early childhood services, including posting job information. The site will be managed by the Marsico Institute to ensure that information added to the clearinghouse is up-to-date, appropriate and easy to use.