Take Action – Your Voice Matters

Dear DECC Community,

Across Denver and throughout the state, early childhood educators, providers, and families are navigating tremendous pressure—and yet, the commitment to young children remains as strong as ever.

The challenges are real. The stakes are high. And the work of caring for and educating young children has never been more essential.

One of the most pressing concerns is the ongoing freeze of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Denver. This freeze has left many providers without a key source of revenue and families unable to access the care they need to work and thrive. For many, CCAP is the lifeline that allows children to learn in safe, nurturing environments while families pursue economic stability.

At Denver’s Early Childhood Council, we are responding in real time—connecting providers with resources, supporting families with critical information, and working closely with partners to find solutions. But policy change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when communities come together and raise their voices.

We need your voice.

Whether you are a provider, a parent, an early learning professional, or a community ally, your story matters. Policymakers need to hear directly from those who are impacted. We recently gathered direct input from hundreds of providers through our Provider Survey and at our Policy Pathways session last month. These findings reflect the lived realities—and powerful ideas—of our community. Your story adds to this momentum.

Here’s how you can help:

• Call or email your policymakers.
  Let them know how child care challenges are affecting your life, your work, or your community. Tell them what CCAP means to the families you serve or the care you rely on. Find your legislator and their contact information.
• Share your story with us.
  As we continue to meet with partners, contact legislators, and discuss pathways with community leaders, your voices help shape the conversation. If you’re willing to share your experience, please fill out this short survey or email me directly. We are committed to amplifying the real needs of our community.
• Stay informed and connected.
  We’ll continue to share tools, updates, and opportunities to take action. Together, we are stronger—and louder.

This moment requires more than resilience—it requires advocacy. Together, we can elevate the voices of early childhood professionals and families and ensure decision-makers understand what’s at stake.

Thank you for standing with us in this vital work.

With appreciation and solidarity,

 

 

Shelby Mattingly, CEO, Denver’s Early Childhood Council