Denver's Early Childhood Council

EVENT CANCELED: Together for Tomorrow
2025-10-16
After thoughtful review, we have decided to cancel this year’s fundraising event so we can focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact for children, families, and early educators. While our team approached planning with care and intention, projected attendance and revenue will simply not meet our budget goals. Stewarding every dollar wisely is core to our mission and values.
We have made direct contact with all who purchased tickets to either convert your purchase to a donation or issue you a refund.
Thank you again for your continued partnership and belief in our mission. Your generosity fuels our ability to advance equitable, high-quality early childhood opportunities across our community.
We hope you will stay connected with us through our upcoming initiatives and consider supporting our impact during Colorado Gives Day on December 9 and throughout the end-of-year giving season. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient early childhood system for all children and families.

Navigating Difficult Staff Dynamics in Early Childhood Settings | English
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Denver) | Virtual
Challenging staff dynamics can affect all aspects of an early childhood program, from the experiences of children and families to the well-being of fellow educators and the overall functioning of the organization. In a field already facing significant financial and workforce challenges, it is especially important to foster a healthy, supportive work culture that upholds the quality of care and education for young children. Program leaders play a vital role in addressing internal team challenges in ways that are thoughtful, equitable, and aligned with the mission of early childhood education. This includes recognizing early signs of workplace strain, applying strategies to support and guide staff toward growth, and, when necessary, making difficult staffing decisions with professionalism and care.

Register here

Comunicación y Colaboración Entre Padres y Maestros | Español
2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Únete a este inspirador taller virtual sobre “Comunicación y Colaboración entre Padres y Docentes” y descubre estrategias prácticas para fortalecer las relaciones entre el hogar y la escuela. Aprende métodos efectivos para establecer una comunicación bidireccional, usar herramientas digitales para compartir actualizaciones y recursos, y mantener a las familias comprometidas, sin importar su origen o disponibilidad. Ya sea que busques mejorar la colaboración o encontrar nuevas formas de conectar con los padres, este taller te brindará herramientas e inspiración para apoyar el éxito de cada niño.
Regístrate aquí

Denver CCAP Collaborative
2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Formerly called the Denver Child Care Task Force, the Denver CCAP Collaborative was founded to give Denver child care providers a voice in the community and an opportunity to meet and connect with Denver Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) staff.
The Collaborative discusses policy and funding issues that affect large and small child care programs in the Denver metro area. The group meets regularly and includes participants from child care centers, community funders, and representatives from Denver Human Services.
Topics at CCAP Collaborative meetings can include, but are not limited to:
CCAP Program and Policy Changes
Community Funding Updates
Discussion of Welfare Reform Board Agenda
TANF updates
NO SOLICITING, PLEASE
REGISTER HERE

Understanding and Supporting Toddler Behavior | English
2025-10-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Classroom teachers and early childhood providers will learn about social-emotional development of young children and how this impacts their strengths and challenges in a classroom environment. We will reframe the concept of “challenging behaviors” with a developmental lens. Providers will learn how to prevent common challenges proactively by supporting the developmental needs of young children. Providers will learn strategies for self-regulation, enabling them to support children with co-regulation. Participants will participate in discussion and reflection to guide their goals for their practice. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following credit category : Child Growth, Development, and Learning (CGDL).
Register here

Leadership That Nurtures Gen Z: DPP Director PLC Series | English
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
This is a 4-part series:

Part 1 – October 27 6:00-8:00 PM
Part 2 – November 3 6:00-8:00 PM
Part 3 – November 10 6:00-8:00 PM
Part 4 – November 17 6:00-8:00 PM

Designed for ECE directors/owners/coaches, this 4-part workshop explores generational shifts in attitudes, beliefs, and work ethics in the workforce today. We analyze mounting research on Gen Z in ECE trends and apply our findings to our current childcare center cultures. Using self-assessment and deep discussion, we unpack our current values, beliefs, and attitudes to identify biases that impede our efforts to keep and grow Gen Z teachers. Dive into recruitment and retention practices and policies, and brainstorm new ideas and approaches that better align with shifting work ethics. Learn how to integrate anti-bias leadership and relationship-based strategies that provide a welcoming, healthy, and growth-oriented professional home for teachers of all generations.

This is a DPP Director PLC Training Series. Participants will be eligible to apply for the DPP Director PLC Training Series Awards totaling $290

Training Series facilitated by Shannon Greeley, MA, The Wheelhouse Collaborative.

Register Here

Converting a Child Care Business into a Nonprofit Organization - Is this the right step for me as an owner? | Training Series for DPP Directors and Administrators - Part 1 | English
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
This is part 1 of a 2-part Series for DPP Directors and Administrators: Pathways to Funding in Early Childhood Education. Please make sure to register for Part 2 separately so you can attend both sessions.

Part 1- October 28 from 12:00PM-1:00PM
Part 2- November 5 from 11:00AM-12:00PM

For early learning business owners contemplating a conversion to a nonprofit organization, this decision involves weighing potential benefits against significant challenges. Studies suggest that nonprofit early learning centers may offer higher-quality care, including better caregiver wages and education, lower turnover rates, and improved child-to-staff ratios. 501c3 nonprofits can apply for public and private grants, which many foundations and government agencies restrict to charities. You can also accept tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. Discover if this winning combination suits you.
Register here

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) | English
2025-10-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Join this engaging virtual workshop on “Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)” and explore practical ways to integrate self-regulation, empathy, and resilience into daily routines. Learn simple strategies—from morning check-ins to problem-solving activities—that help children become more self-aware, empathetic, and emotionally strong. Whether you’re building your SEL toolkit or looking to inspire young learners, connect with fellow educators committed to nurturing the whole child.
Register here

Atención Plena (Mindfulness) en Ambientes Escolares de la Primera Infancia: Seire Destacada DPP | Español
2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie destacada de 3 partes del Programa Preescolar de Denver (DPP):

Sesión 1: Lunes 3 de noviembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 2: Miércoles 6 de noviembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 3: Lunes 10 de noviembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

Este curso brinda a los participantes una comprensión clara de su papel en el apoyo a prácticas de mindfulness en entornos de primera infancia. Se explora la necesidad de implementar enfoques calmados y reflexivos apropiados para trabajar con niños pequeños. Los participantes descubrirán formas de incorporar la “atención plena” en la planificación del día a día.
Les participantes que asistan a las 3 sesiones de la serie podrán postularse para los Premios de Logro de DPP, con un total de $325.
Regístrate aquí

Feedback and Challenging Conversations | English
2025-11-04 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
Effective communication is a cornerstone of strong leadership and plays a critical role in building trust, clarity, and collaboration within teams. This session will explore key attributes of effective communication, with a focus on offering meaningful feedback and navigating challenging conversations with confidence, empathy, and professionalism.

Register here

Understanding your Students’ Sensory System | English
2025-11-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This training will provide Early Childhood Education teachers with an understanding about sensory-motor development, sensory systems, as well as strategies to implement in their classroom. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following credit category: Child Growth, Development, and Learning (CGDL).

Register Here

Converting a Child Care Business into a Nonprofit Organization - Is this the right step for me as an owner? | Training Series for DPP Directors and Administrators – Part 2 | English
2025-11-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This is part 2 of a 2-part Series for DPP Directors and Administrators: Pathways to Funding in Early Childhood Education. Please make sure to register for Part 1 separately so you can attend both sessions.

Part 1- October 28 from 12:00PM-1:00PM
Part 2- November 5 from 11:00AM-12:00PM

For early learning business owners contemplating a conversion to a nonprofit organization, this decision involves weighing potential benefits against significant challenges. Studies suggest that nonprofit early learning centers may offer higher-quality care, including better caregiver wages and education, lower turnover rates, and improved child-to-staff ratios. 501c3 nonprofits can apply for public and private grants, which many foundations and government agencies restrict to charities. You can also accept tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. Discover if this winning combination suits you.
Register here

Movimiento que Educa en la Primera Infancia | Español
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 2 partes:

Pate 1 – 5 de noviembre de 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Parte 2 – 12 de noviembre de 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Este entrenamiento destaca el movimiento como una herramienta pedagógica fundamental, inclusiva y transformadora en la educación de la primera infancia. Promueve la conciencia sobre su papel esencial en el desarrollo integral físico, cognitivo, social y emocional de niñas y niños. A través de una metodología dinámica y participativa, se ofrecen estrategias prácticas para integrar el movimiento en espacios interiores y exteriores, con adaptaciones inclusivas que promueven la equidad y evitan exclusiones por habilidades, contextos culturales o condiciones físicas. El taller invita a los y las educadoras a reflexionar sobre su práctica y a comprometerse con la creación de ambientes seguros, estimulantes y accesibles, donde todos los niños y niñas puedan participar plenamente, fortaleciendo su aprendizaje a través del cuerpo y el juego.
Regístrate aquí

Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL) | Español
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Únete a este taller virtual sobre “Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL)” y explora formas prácticas de integrar la autorregulación, la empatía y la resiliencia en las rutinas diarias. Aprende estrategias sencillas —desde registros matutinos hasta actividades de resolución de problemas— que ayudan a los niños a desarrollar conciencia de sí mismos, empatía y fortaleza emocional. Ya sea que estés fortaleciendo tu enfoque en SEL o buscando inspirar a tus estudiantes, conéctate con otros educadores comprometidos con el desarrollo integral de la infancia.
Regístrate aquí

Denver Director Equity and Advocacy Professional Learning Community
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Meet with other directors, teachers, and staff from our team in a monthly informal setting to discuss the current needs in the field. Be an advocate for your program while helping others by simply speaking up about what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s needed.
This is a Director’s PLC and can be used as credit toward the Director DPP Achievement Award.
Questions? Contact Dora Esparza at dora@denverearlychildhood.org.
REGISTER HERE

Strategies for Effective Communication With Parents | English
2025-11-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Are you having a hard time connecting with the families you work with? Do you find yourself chasing families down just to ask a question? If you feel your communication with families could use some improvement, then this session is for you! We will be discussing different families, their workings, their needs, and the communication style that could fit them best. Get some tips, tricks, and techniques you could use to communicate with those you work with more effectively. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following competency: Family and Community Partnerships (FCP).

Register Here

How to Apply to Become a Nonprofit Step-by-Step Guide for Child Care | Training Series for DPP Directors and Administrators | English
2025-11-12 11:00 - 2025-12-03 12:00 | Virtual
This is a 3-part Denver Preschool Program Series “Pathways to Funding in Early Childhood Education: The How to Apply to Become a Nonprofit Step-by-Step Guide for Child Care Owners.”

Part 1- November 12 from 11:00AM-12:00PM
Part 2- November 19 from 11:00AM-12:00PM
Part 3- December 3 from 11:00AM-12:00PM
We will be skipping the last week of November due to the holidays

Join us as we walk through the entire process, from application to the IRS, the State of Colorado requirements, and building your Board of Directors. This session will include all the templates, links, and examples you will need to complete your 501c3 Application to the IRS on your own. You got this!
Register here

Play-Based and Experiential Learning: DPP Featured Series | English
2025-11-12 18:30 - 2025-12-03 20:30 | Virtual
This is a 3-part Denver Preschool Program (DPP) Featured Teacher Series:
Part 1 – November 12 from 6:30 – 8:30PM
Part 2 – November 19 from 6:30 – 8:30PM
Part 3 – December 3 from 6:30 – 8:30PM
Tap into curiosity and creativity in this engaging workshop on “Play-Based and Experiential Learning.” Discover how play fosters exploration, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Learn practical ways to create sensory-rich, inquiry-based environments—indoors or outdoors—where every child can thrive. Whether you’re drawn to nature, hands-on discovery, or inclusive practices, this session offers ideas to make learning joyful and meaningful. Connect with fellow educators and bring play to the heart of your teaching.
Register here

Lunch Bunch - Affordable Health Insurance for Child Care Programs
2025-11-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
As we enter open enrollment season, many small business owners and nonprofits are looking for lower cost health insurance solutions. Join us and Kaiser Permanente for a virtual lunch-and-learn session to explore their options for group insurance rates, the tax benefits for child care programs, and more.

Kaiser is able to negotiate lower group rates due to its unique business model, which combines insurance and healthcare providers into one system, and its large purchasing power, especially in the pharmaceutical market.

Disclaimer: We recognize that Kaiser is one of many insurance options available to Coloradans. The products or services presented at this lunch and learn are for informational purposes only. This event does not constitute endorsement by Denver’s Early Childhood Council, nor does it imply discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.

Register here

Busy Bodies: Active Teaching for Active Kiddos: Training Series | English
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
This is a 4-part series:

Part 1 – November 18 from 6:00PM-8:00PM
Part 2 – December 2 from 6:00PM-8:00PM
Part 3 – December 9 from 6:00PM-8:00PM
Part 4 – December 16 from 6:00PM-8:00PM

This workshop uses active, hands-on learning to investigate the processing of our seven senses (yes, seven!) and their role in early learning and development. When fully understood, teachers can assemble a variety of engaging sensory processing activities as a toolbox to reach all learners, especially those that need to move constantly. Explore how to adjust current curriculum and teaching strategies to include more physical activities that stimulate and calm the brain, even when space and time is limited, including.
Training Series facilitated by Shannon Greeley, MA, The Wheelhouse Collaborative.
Register here

Working with Providers and Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) Programs | English
2025-11-19 17:30 - 18:15 | Virtual
We will review the early childhood programs at Rocky Mountain Human Services including Early Intervention, Denver Early Steps, and Developmental Monitoring. We will discuss how screenings are used at RMHS to identify developmental delays and social emotional-challenges and how classrooms can partner with us to sign up for screening events. Teachers will have the chance to learn more about push-in, pull-out and hybrid methods of intervention and their benefits and drawbacks will be explored. Finally, we will consider the importance of teacher-provider collaboration for carry-over of learned skills into the classroom and beyond. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following credit category : Professional Practice (PP).
Register here

Educación al Aire Libre: Práctica Educativa del Futuro | Español
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 2 partes:

Pate 1 – 19 de noviembre de 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Parte 2 – 26 de noviembre de 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Este taller propone reimaginar la educación en la primera infancia desde una perspectiva basada en la naturaleza, reconociendo el entorno natural como un aula viva que promueve el juego, la exploración y el aprendizaje significativo. A través de fundamentos pedagógicos, evidencia científica y tendencias globales, se brindan herramientas para implementar prácticas al aire libre y aulas híbridas que fomenten la inclusión, la creatividad, el bienestar integral y la conciencia ecológica. Esta propuesta innovadora y reflexiva conecta la educación con un futuro sostenible y empodera a los educadores para ofrecer experiencias transformadoras que respondan a las necesidades del siglo XXI y al derecho de niñas y niños a aprender en contacto con la naturaleza.
Regístrate aquí

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-27 08:00 - 2025-11-28 17:00
Office closed

Giving Tuesday 2025
2025-12-02
Today is Giving Tuesday! Your support helps ensure that Denver’s youngest children have access to a strong local system that supports healthy development, school readiness, and family well-being and stability. Learn about all the ways you can donate to our organization by visiting our Donate page.
Give now

Desarrollemos Nuestras Habilidades de Liderazgo: Serie Destacada DPP | Español
2025-12-03 18:00 - 2025-12-10 20:00 | Virtual
Esta es una serie destacada de 3 partes del Programa Preescolar de Denver (DPP) para Directores y Administradores:

Sesión 1: Miércoles 3 de Diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 2: Lunes 8 de Diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 3: Miércoles 10 de Diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

En esta serie de tres sesiones, definiremos el concepto de liderazgo, describiremos varios estilos de liderazgo y enumeraremos y explicaremos las competencias de inteligencia emocional que respaldan un liderazgo saludable y eficiente: autoconciencia, autogestión, conciencia social y gestión de relaciones. . Distinguiremos entre liderazgo por puesto o por elección; y discutir los roles de liderazgo de los asistentes a la sesión.
Les participantes que asistan a las 3 sesiones de la serie podrán postularse para los Premios de Logro de DPP, con un total de $325.
Regístrate aquí

Equity and Advocacy Professional Learning Community
2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

La Música como Herramienta de Enseñanza: Serie Destacada DPP | Español
2025-12-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Esta es una serie destacada de 4 partes del Programa Preescolar de Denver (DPP):

Sesión 1: Lunes 8 de diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 2: Miércoles 10 de diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 3: Lunes 15 de diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.
Sesión 4: Miércoles 17 de diciembre, de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

Este entrenamiento tiene como objetivo ofrecer estrategias prácticas para integrar la música en diferentes áreas del currículo, fortaleciendo el aprendizaje desde una perspectiva inclusiva, culturalmente sensible y alineada con las mejores prácticas en educación temprana. Se busca que los participantes adquieran recursos pedagógicos aplicables de forma inmediata que potencien la participación, la memoria, la expresión emocional y la conexión cultural de niñas y niños. Más que un complemento, la música se presenta como un medio poderoso para enriquecer el ambiente de aprendizaje, hacer la enseñanza más accesible y significativa, y crear experiencias que perduren en el tiempo.
Les participantes que asistan a las 3 sesiones de la serie podrán postularse para los Premios de Logro de DPP, con un total de $325.
Regístrate aquí

Colorado Gives Day 2025
2025-12-09
Today is Colorado Gives Day! Your support helps ensure that Denver’s youngest children have access to a strong local system that supports healthy development, school readiness, and family well-being and stability. Show your support and give today or any day year-round by visiting our Colorado Gives Day page!
GIVE NOW

Secondhand Smoke Prevention and Asthma Management | English
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
The ONE Step training equips Early Childhood Educators, health staff, and organizations working with families to confidently talk with parents and caregivers about how secondhand smoke, tobacco, and marijuana exposure affect children’s health, behavior, sleep, and learning, while also offering proactive ways to protect kids, access to tobacco cessation support, and essential asthma management tips.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion in the following credit category: Health, Safety, and Nutrition (HSN)
Register here

Technology Integration in Early Learning | English
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Explore how adaptive learning technologies and AI-assisted tools can enhance early childhood education without replacing valuable hands-on experiences. This training offers practical insights on balancing innovative tech with active, sensory-rich learning to support diverse developmental needs. Discover strategies to thoughtfully integrate technology in ways that foster engagement, personalize learning, and maintain the critical role of play and exploration in young children’s growth. Ideal for educators eager to blend tradition and innovation in their classrooms.
Register here
