QUALITY SUPPORT FOR DENVER'S EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
Denver’s Early Childhood Council provides licensed child care programs with expert guidance, structural coaching, and hands‑on technical assistance. Our team helps you navigate Colorado Shines, understand the quality rating process, and strengthen the structures that create the conditions for high‑quality teaching. A stronger Colorado Shines rating can open the door to more grants, funding, and resources for your program.
NEW in 2026: Colorado is making changes to the Colorado Shines Level 3–5 rating process.
What’s Changing? QRIS observational ratings will be paused for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
This pause does not impact:
- Programs applying for a Level 2 rating
- Programs that have already achieved a rating through the Alternative Pathway
- Programs applying for a new rating through the Alternative Pathway
Learn more:
If you have questions about your program’s rating, please contact your Quality Navigator.
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How Our Quality Navigators Support You
Our Quality Navigators are here to help child care center directors and home‑based providers access the resources they need to offer high‑quality early childhood experiences. Quality Navigators partner with you to:
- Strengthen the quality of care for Denver’s youngest children
- Connect your program and families to services, community resources, and professional support
- Navigate the state’s online systems, including Colorado Shines QRIS and PDIS
- Prepare for and work toward a Colorado Shines rating
- Build a clear, meaningful, and actionable Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
- Access funding, coaching, and Quality Improvement supports
- Provide structural coaching focused on the program environment, operations, and conditions that enable high‑quality teaching and developmentally supportive experiences
COLORADO SHINES QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Coaching and funding for programs rated at a Colorado Shines Level 1 or higher.
DENVER PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (DPP)
Quality Improvement grants for coaching, training, and learning materials for programs that serve Denver County four-year-olds.
COLORADO SHINES PDIS
Information about the Professional Development Information System, including how to access training information and support to use the website.
QUESTIONS? NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Our Quality Navigation team is available to support you and here to answer your questions! Contact us to learn more.
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