reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26 - HUMAN SERVICES CODE (§§ 26-1-101 — 26-24-101) › Article 23 - TRAINING VETERANS TO TRAIN THEIR OWN SERVICE DOGS PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26-23-101 — 26-23-105) › Section 26-23-103 - Request for proposals for program implementation and operation - criteria for nonprofit - reporting

(1)
(a)
The executive director shall establish and use a competitive request for proposals process to select two in-state nonprofit agencies that represent different counties with which to contract for the implementation and operation of the program. The executive director shall finalize the request for proposals process no later than August 1, 2016. Proposals must be received no later than October 1, 2016, and the executive director shall make a final decision on or before November 1, 2016.
(b)
To be eligible to implement and operate the program, each nonprofit agency must:
(I)
Be based in Colorado;
(II)
Serve the needs of the veteran population within the nonprofit agency's geographical location;
(III)
Identify an organization in Colorado that is qualified to train canines with which the nonprofit agency will partner if selected for the program;
(IV)
Generate its own revenue and reinvest the proceeds of that revenue in the growth and development of its programs, including veteran support services; and
(V)
Offer a variety of veteran support programs in connection with licensed or certified mental health professionals, as well as other services that help veterans transition to their community after military service.
(2)
In awarding for the contract, the executive director shall require each selected nonprofit agency to:
(a)
Report measurable outcomes of the program to the department, along with an evaluation of those outcomes;
(b)
Select up to ten eligible veterans to participate in the program, based on the established and posted criteria;
(c)
Select appropriate canine companions for the program based on the established criteria;
(d)
Assist in placing a selected and trained canine with an eligible veteran based on that veteran's specific, individual needs;
(e)
Assist veterans with learning and applying the proper techniques required for successful training;
(f)
Provide mentoring and guidance to an eligible veteran who is fostering a canine that is being trained; and
(g)
Provide any other follow-along support services deemed appropriate and necessary by the department to make individual veteran-canine partnerships and the program successful.
(3)
The department shall report the outcomes and evaluations related to the program to the state, veterans, and military affairs committees of the senate and house of representatives, and the health and human services committee of the senate and the public health care and human services committee of the house of representatives, or any successor committees, after one full year of data has been collected and every year thereafter.
Added by 2016 Ch. 328,§ 1, eff. 6/10/2016.
L. 2016: Entire article added, (HB 16-1112), ch. 328, p. 1331, § 1, effective June 10.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26 - HUMAN SERVICES CODE (§§ 26-1-101 — 26-24-101) › Article 23 - TRAINING VETERANS TO TRAIN THEIR OWN SERVICE DOGS PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26-23-101 — 26-23-105) › Section 26-23-104 - Training veterans to train their own service dogs pilot program fund - creation

(1)
The training veterans to train their own service dogs pilot program fund is created in the state treasury. The principal of the fund consists of moneys appropriated or transferred to the fund by the general assembly and any money received pursuant to subsection (2) of this section. The purpose of the fund is to provide funding for the program implemented and operated by a nonprofit agency selected by the department.
(2)
The department is authorized to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations, including in-kind donations, from private or public sources for the purposes of the program; except that the department may not accept a gift, grant, or donation that is subject to conditions that are inconsistent with this article or any other law of the state. The department shall transmit all private and public moneys received through gifts, grants, or donations to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the fund.
(3)
(a)
The moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the department for the purpose of funding implementation and operation of the program by the nonprofit agency selected by the department pursuant to section
26-23-103
and for any administrative costs incurred by the department pursuant to this article. The department's administrative expenses for the program in a fiscal year must not exceed three percent of the moneys transferred or appropriated in that fiscal year.
(b)
All interest and income derived from the deposit and investment of the fund and all unexpended and unencumbered moneys remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year remain in the fund and shall not be transferred or revert to the general fund.
Added by 2016 Ch. 328,§ 1, eff. 6/10/2016.
L. 2016: Entire article added, (HB 16-1112), ch. 328, p. 1332, § 1, effective June 10.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26 - HUMAN SERVICES CODE (§§ 26-1-101 — 26-24-101) › Article 23 - TRAINING VETERANS TO TRAIN THEIR OWN SERVICE DOGS PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26-23-101 — 26-23-105) › Section 26-23-105 - Repeal

This article is repealed, effective September 1, 2026.
Added by 2016 Ch. 328,§ 1, eff. 6/10/2016.
L. 2016: Entire article added, (HB 16-1112), ch. 328, p. 1333, § 1, effective June 10.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26 - HUMAN SERVICES CODE (§§ 26-1-101 — 26-24-101) › Article 24 - [Repealed] (§ 26-24-101) › Section 26-24-101 - to 26-24-106 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2020 Ch. 132,§1, eff. 6/26/2020.
Added by 2018 Ch. 351,§2, eff. 7/1/2018.
L. 2020: Entire article repealed, (HB 20-1392), ch. 575, p. 575, § 1, effective June 26.
This article 24 was added in 2018 and was not amended prior to its repeal in 2020.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-101 - Short title

The short title of this title 26.5 is the "Anna Jo Garcia Haynes Early Childhood Act".
Amended by 2022 Ch. 5, §1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Added by 2021 Ch. 307, §4, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 2021: Entire title added, (HB 21-1304), ch. 1846, p. 1846, § 4, effective 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-103 - Definitions

As used in this title 26.5, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Department" means the department of early childhood created in section
26.5-1-104
.
(2)
"Department rule" means a rule promulgated by the executive director as authorized in section
26.5-1-105
.
(3)
"Executive director" means the executive director of the department of early childhood.
(4)
"Local coordinating organization" means the entity selected by the department pursuant to section
26.5-2-103
to implement a community plan for increasing access to, coordinating, and allocating funding for early childhood and family support programs and services within a specified community.
(5)
"Rules advisory council" or "council" means the council convened by the executive director pursuant to section
26.5-1-105
.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §1, eff. 4/25/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 5, §1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Added by 2021 Ch. 307, §4, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 2021: Entire title added, (HB 21-1304), ch. 1848, p. 1848, § 4, effective 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-104 - Department of early childhood - created - executive director - powers, duties, and functions

(1)
There is created the department of early childhood, the head of which is the executive director of the department of early childhood, which office is created. The governor shall appoint the executive director, with the consent of the senate, and the executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor. The reappointment of an executive director after an initial election of a governor is subject to the provisions of section
24-20-109
. In appointing an executive director, the governor shall make concerted efforts to identify qualified individuals who are representative of the diverse populations of children and families residing in Colorado. The executive director has those powers, duties, and functions prescribed for the heads of principal departments in the "Administrative Organization Act of 1968", article
1
of title
24
, and any powers, duties, and functions set forth in this title 26.5.
(2)
The department of early childhood consists of an executive director of the department of early childhood and such divisions, sections, other units, and advisory boards as the executive director may establish pursuant to subsection (3) of this section and as may be specified in this title 26.5.
(3)
The executive director may establish such divisions, sections, other units, and advisory boards within the department as are necessary for the proper and efficient discharge of the powers, duties, and functions of the department.
(4)
The department of early childhood is responsible for administering the functions and programs as set forth in this title 26.5.
(5)
Repealed.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §5, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 5, §1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Added by 2021 Ch. 307, §4, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 2021: Entire title added, (HB 21-1304), ch. 1848, p. 1848, § 4, effective 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-107 - Final agency action - authority of executive director - rules

Hearings conducted by an appointed administrative law judge are considered initial decisions of the department that the executive director, or an executive director's designee, shall review. If exceptions to the initial decision are filed pursuant to section
24-4-105(14)(a)(I)
, the review must be in accordance with section
24-4-105(15)
; except that the department may, at its discretion, permit a party to file an audio recording in lieu of a written transcript if the party cannot afford a written transcript. The executive director may adopt rules delineating the criteria and process for filing an audio recording in lieu of a written transcript. In the absence of an exception filed pursuant to section
24-4-105(14)(a)(I)
, the executive director shall review the initial decision in accordance with a procedure adopted by the executive director. The procedure must be consistent with federal mandates concerning the single state agency requirement. Review by the executive director in accordance with section
24-4-105(15)
or the procedure adopted by the executive director pursuant to this section constitutes final agency action.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§2, eff. 4/25/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-108 - Cooperation with federal government - grants-in-aid - legislative intent

(1)
The department is authorized to accept, use, and administer all money and property granted or made available to the state or any state agency for the purpose of the early childhood programs and services that are transferred to the department pursuant to this part 1 or subsequently created in this title 26.5 or other programs and services that are comparable to said programs and services, except any money and property that is granted or made available to another specifically designated agency.
(2)
If it is necessary to execute a formal agreement with a federal agency or officer as a condition precedent to receiving federal money or property pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the department is authorized to execute such an agreement, with the approval of the attorney general, so long as the agreement is not inconsistent with law.
(3)
The state treasurer is authorized to receive, as official custodian, any money that the department accepts pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The state treasurer shall disburse the money received pursuant to this section upon the order of the executive director.
(4)
Beginning with the presentation made to a joint committee of reference pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article
7
of title
2
, in the 2023 regular legislative session, the department shall annually include in the presentation a report that details the total amount of federal money that the department received in the prior fiscal year, accounting for how the money was used, specifying the federal law or regulation that governs the use of the federal money, if any, and providing information regarding any flexibility the department has in using the federal money. The department shall make the report publicly available following the hearing.
(5)
It is the intent of the general assembly that the responsibility for administering and the power to expend federal money pertaining to the powers, duties, and functions that are transferred to the department pursuant to this part 1 transfer to the department in accordance with the memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements, or both, as appropriate, described in section
26.5-1-106 (1)(b)
.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §2, eff. 4/25/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-110 - Unified application - child care, services, and education

(1)
The department shall develop and implement the use of a single, unified electronic application for families to use in applying for all publicly funded early childhood programs and services that the department administers. The department shall design the application to enable equitable access; streamline the enrollment and eligibility-determination process for families, providers, and state, local, and tribal agencies; and meet the requirements specified in subsection (2) of this section. The department shall collaborate with other state, local, and tribal agencies as necessary in developing, and collecting feedback concerning, the application to ensure the least amount of duplication for families and state, local, and tribal agencies. The department shall ensure that the application is functional by July 1, 2023, for families seeking to enroll children in the Colorado universal preschool program pursuant to part 2 of article
4
of this title 26.5.
(2)
At a minimum, the unified application must:
(a)
Be available in multiple languages;
(b)
Be accessible on mobile electronic devices and available in paper copy;
(c)
Collect from families only the minimum information necessary to apply for programs and services and enable families to apply for a single program or service or for multiple programs and services simultaneously or over time;
(d)
Adhere to all state and federal data privacy and security laws and regulations;
(e)
Reduce duplication in and the complexity of the information collected from providers;
(f)
Include consideration of all sources from which the applicant may be eligible for funding to ensure that all of the funding for which the applicant is eligible is combined and coordinated to the fullest extent allowed under state and federal laws and regulations in providing the programs and services for which the applicant is applying;
(g)
Allow for customization as may be necessary for certain programs or services; and
(h)
Coordinate with other agencies and programs, as appropriate, to ensure appropriate referral of children and families to early childhood programs administered by other departments.
(3)
A county department shall not add additional required eligibility criteria to the application or redetermination process.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 390,§ 2, eff. 6/4/2024.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §2, eff. 4/25/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-114 - Tribal regalia at preschool graduation ceremonies - definitions

(1)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)
"Graduation attire" means attire that a preschool requires a student to wear as part of the dress code for a graduation ceremony.
(b)
"Qualifying student" means a student who is a descendant of people who were living in North America prior to the time people from Europe began settling in North America, is an enrolled member of a federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribe, or is a lineal descendant of a tribally enrolled parent or grandparent.
(c)
"Tribal regalia" means a tribe's traditional dress or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance and includes the following items of cultural significance:
(I)
Tribal symbols;
(II)
Beads; and
(III)
Feathers, in line with the "Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918".
(d)
"Tribe" means a tribe, band, nation, or Alaskan Native village that is recognized by federal law or that a state formally acknowledges.
(2)
A qualifying student may wear tribal regalia during a graduation ceremony; except that a qualifying student who is not an enrolled member of a tribe shall not wear eagle feathers. Wearing tribal regalia includes decorating graduation attire with tribal regalia; except that a qualifying student who is not an enrolled member of a tribe shall not decorate with eagle feathers.
(3)
(a)
An immediate family member of a qualifying student may wear and display tribal regalia during the qualifying student's graduation ceremony if the immediate family member is:
(I)
An enrolled member of a tribe;
(II)
Eligible to be enrolled as a member of a tribe; or
(III)
A lineal descendant of a tribally enrolled parent or grandparent.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (3)(a) of this section, an immediate family member who is not an enrolled member of a tribe shall not wear eagle feathers.
(4)
A preschool shall not prohibit a qualifying student or the qualifying student's immediate family from wearing and displaying tribal regalia at a graduation ceremony.
(5)
This section applies to all preschool graduations.
Added by 2023 Ch. 149,§ 3, eff. 5/4/2023.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-116 - Wearing cultural or religious objects at preschool graduation ceremonies - definitions

(1)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)
"Adornment" means something attached to, or worn with, but not replacing or covering in its entirety, graduation attire, and is not limited to decorating graduation caps.
(b)
"Cultural" means a recognized practice or tradition of a certain group of people and includes only a protected class based on disability, race, creed, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family composition, religion, age, national origin, or ancestry. "Cultural" does not include objects related to tribal regalia as defined in section 26.5-1-114, incitement, defamation, fraud, obscenity, child pornography, fighting words, and threats.
(c)
"Graduation attire" means attire that a preschool requires a student to wear as part of the dress code for a graduation ceremony.
(d)
"Student" means an individual participating in the graduation ceremony as a graduate.
(2)
A student may wear recognized objects of cultural or religious significance as an adornment during the student's graduation ceremony. An adornment worn by a student must comply with the preschool's dress code policy, as long as the dress code policy does not infringe upon a student's gender expression, as defined in section 24-34-301, gender identity, religion, or culture.
(3)
A preschool shall not impose restrictions on what a student may wear under the student's required graduation attire beyond what is required by a preschool's dress code policy, as long as the dress code policy does not infringe upon a student's gender expression, as defined in section 24-34-301, gender identity, religion, or culture.
(4)
(a)
This section does not limit a preschool's ability to prohibit an adornment that is likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony.
(b)
A prohibition imposed by a preschool pursuant to subsection (4)(a) of this section must be:
(I)
Based on evidence of disruption rather than relying on an undifferentiated fear or apprehension of disturbance; and
(II)
By the least restrictive means necessary.
(5)
On or before August 1, 2024, a public preschool provider as defined in section 26.5-5-303 shall develop and adopt a policy that aligns with the requirements of this section.
(6)
This section applies to a graduation held by a public preschool provider as defined in section 26.5-5-303.
(7)
This section does not limit the rights of certain individuals to wear tribal regalia to a public preschool graduation, as described in section 26.5-1-114.
Added by 2024 Ch. 419,§ 6, eff. 6/5/2024.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-117) › Section 26.5-1-117 - [Effective 8/7/2024] Youth sports organization model code of conduct

The department shall make available a youth sports organization model code of conduct policy that addresses the matters described in section 26.5-4-402 (1)(b).
Added by 2024 Ch. 196,§ 3, eff. 8/7/2024.
2024 Ch. 196, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP COMMISSION (§§ 26.5-1-301 — 26.5-1-304) › Section 26.5-1-303 - Early childhood leadership commission - duties

(1)
In addition to any other duties specified in law, the commission has the following duties:
(a)
To identify opportunities for, and barriers to, the alignment of standards, rules, policies, and procedures across programs and agencies that support young children and to recommend to the appropriate committees of reference of the general assembly pursuant to part 2 of article
7
of title
2
and to government and nonprofit agencies and policy boards changes to enhance the alignment and provision of services and supports for pregnant women and young children and their families;
(b)
To advise and make recommendations to the department and to other relevant early childhood entities concerning implementation of the early childhood Colorado framework;
(c)
To assist public and private agencies in coordinating efforts on behalf of pregnant women and children and their families, including securing funding and additional investments for services, programs, and access to these services and programs for children and their families;
(d)
To consider and recommend waivers from state regulations on behalf of early childhood councils as provided in section
26.5-2-207
;
(e)
To monitor the ongoing development, promotion, and implementation of:
(I)
A quality, cohesive professional development and career advancement system;
(II)
High-quality, comprehensive early learning standards; and
(III)
The sharing and use of common data for planning and accountability among early childhood programs;
(f)
To develop strategies and monitor efforts concerning:
(I)
Increasing children's school readiness;
(II)
Increasing participation in and access to child care and early education programs; and
(III)
Promoting family and community engagement in children's early education and development.
(2)
In fulfilling its duties, the commission shall collaborate, at a minimum, with:
(a)
Members of the early childhood councils established pursuant to section
26.5-2-203
; and
(b)
Any other boards, commissions, and councils that address services and supports for pregnant women and young children.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §107, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 5, §1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.2-104
and amended by 2021 Ch. 307, §4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Ch. 345, §3, eff. 8/9/2017.
Renumbered from C.R.S. § 24-44.7-103 and amended by 2013 Ch. 169, §3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2013 Ch. 307, §7, eff. 7/1/2013.
L. 2013: Entire article added with relocations, (HB 13-1117), ch. 169, p. 563, § 3, effective July 1. L. 2017: (1) and (2)(b) amended, (HB 17-1106), ch. 345, p. 1819, § 3, effective August 9.
This section is similar to former § 24-44.7-103 as it existed prior to 2013.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP COMMISSION (§§ 26.5-1-301 — 26.5-1-304) › Section 26.5-1-304 - Repeal of part

This part 3 is repealed, effective September 1, 2025. Before its repeal, the commission is subject to review in accordance with section
2-3-1203
.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§108, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 5,§1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.2-106
and amended by 2021 Ch. 307,§4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Ch. 345,§5, eff. 8/9/2017.
Amended by 2016 Ch. 83,§22, eff. 4/14/2016.
Renumbered from C.R.S. § 24-44.7-105 and amended by 2013 Ch. 169,§3, eff. 7/1/2013.
L. 2013: Entire article added with relocations, (HB 13-1117), ch. 169, p. 565, § 3, effective July 1. L. 2016: Entire section amended, (HB 16-1192), ch. 83, p. 235, § 22, effective April 14. L. 2017: Entire section amended, (HB 17-1106), ch. 345, p. 1820, § 5, effective August 9.
This section is similar to former § 24-44.7-105 as it existed prior to 2013.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 1 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-1-401) › Part 4 - [Repealed] EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL READINESS LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION (§ 26.5-1-401) › Section 26.5-1-401 - to 26.5-1-404 - [Repealed]

Amended by 2022 Ch. 5, §1, eff. 3/1/2022.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-201
to
26-6.5-204
and amended by 2021 Ch. 307, §4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2020 Ch. 200, §9, eff. 6/30/2020.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 335, §2, eff. 5/30/2018.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 335, §1, eff. 5/30/2018.
Amended by 2014 Ch. 390, §26, eff. 6/6/2014.
Amended by 2013 Ch. 367, §3, eff. 7/1/2013.
L. 2021: Entire title added, (HB 21-1304), ch. 1853, p. 1853, § 4, effective 7/1/2022.
(1) For the text of this part 4 prior to 2023, consult the 2022 Colorado Revised Statutes and the Colorado statutory research explanatory note beginning on page vii in the front of this volume.
(2) Section 26.5-1-404 provided for the repeal of this part 4, effective July 1, 2023. (See L. 2021, p. 1855.)
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 1 - LOCAL COORDINATING ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-105) › Section 26.5-2-101 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
Local entities are best positioned to understand the varying needs for early childhood programs and services that arise in the widely diverse communities throughout the state; and
(b)
Each community requires leadership by local entities that, alone or in partnership with the state, can coordinate the resources available within the community with state resources to provide the type and level of early childhood and family support programs and services each community requires.
(2)
The general assembly finds, therefore, that, to best serve the families and children in all communities throughout the state, the department shall select and work with local coordinating organizations in communities throughout the state to support access to and equitable delivery of early childhood and family support programs and services, identify gaps in service, foster partnerships, create alignment among the public and private providers and agencies within the community that serve families and children, and establish a comprehensive, locally supported plan for providing early childhood and family support programs and services equitably within the community.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 4/25/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 1 - LOCAL COORDINATING ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-105) › Section 26.5-2-102 - Definitions

As used in this part 1, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Colorado universal preschool program" or "state preschool program" means the Colorado universal preschool program created in part 2 of article
4
of this title 26.5.
(2)
"Coordinator agreement" means the agreement that the department enters into with a local coordinating organization as described in section
26.5-2-105
.
(3)
"Head start agency" means the local public or private nonprofit agency designated by the federal department of health and human services to operate a head start program under the provisions of Title V of the federal "Economic Opportunity Act of 1964", as amended.
(4)
"Local and tribal agencies" means county departments of human or social services and agencies of an Indian tribe that have responsibility for funding for early childhood and family support programs and services, school districts, charter schools that participate in the state preschool program, and head start agencies.
(5)
"Local coordinating organization" means an entity selected by the department pursuant to section
26.5-2-103
to support access to and equitable delivery of early childhood and family support programs and services in specified communities throughout the state.
(6)
"Mixed delivery system" has the same meaning as provided in section
26.5-4-203
.
(7)
"Preschool provider" has the same meaning as provided in section
26.5-4-203
.
(8)
"Preschool services" means preschool services provided through the state preschool program in the school year preceding kindergarten eligibility to children who are four or five years of age and preschool services provided through the state preschool program to a limited number of children who are three years of age or younger.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 4/25/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-201 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds and declares that there is a critical need to increase services for young children and their families, including those families with members who are entering the workforce due to Colorado's reform of the welfare system, making the transition off of welfare, or needing child care assistance to avoid the welfare system. The statewide need includes increasing and sustaining the quality, accessibility, capacity, and affordability of services for children and their parents to help parents raise their children to be successful at school, at work, and in the community.
(2)
Research demonstrates that there are positive outcomes for young children and their families who receive quality, integrated child care and related services in their early, preschool years, delivered through a comprehensive early childhood system that includes quality care and education, family support, health, and mental health programs.
(3)
Providers of half-day preschool and full-day child care services have to overcome barriers and inflexible requirements of the various sources of funding in order to design and implement programs that are more responsive to the needs of working families.
(4)
Consideration of various state and federal funding sources would allow for an integrated delivery system of quality programs for young children and their families in Colorado's communities.
(5)
An integrated delivery system would further enhance the ability of the department to identify the best practices relative to increasing and sustaining quality and to meeting the diverse needs of families seeking child care and other early childhood services.
(6)
Distinctly local needs and conditions require that the state design and integrate a system that has the flexibility to adapt to those local needs.
(7)
It is therefore in the state's best interest to establish a comprehensive system of early childhood councils to increase and sustain the availability, accessibility, capacity, and quality of early childhood services throughout the state, as provided in this part 2.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-101
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 97: Entire article added, p. 1123, § 1, effective May 28. L. 2007: Entire section amended, p. 1633, § 1, effective May 31. L. 2009: (7) amended, (HB 09-1343), ch. 355, p. 1855, §2, effective June 1.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-202 - Definitions

As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Council" or "early childhood council" means an early childhood council identified or established locally in communities throughout the state pursuant to section
26.5-2-203
or
26.5-5-102
for the purpose of developing and ultimately implementing a comprehensive system of early childhood services to ensure the school readiness of children five years of age or younger in the community.
(2)
"County department" means the county or district department of human or social services.
(3)
"Early childhood education program" means a child care program licensed pursuant to part 3 of article
5
of this title 26.5 that provides child care and education to children five years of age or younger.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-101.5
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 90, §1, eff. 8/8/2018.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 59, §7, eff. 8/8/2018.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 38, §129, eff. 8/8/2018.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 204, §45, eff. 5/20/2015.
L. 2007: Entire section added, p. 1634, § 2, effective May 31. L. 2009: IP amended, (HB 09 -1343), ch. 355, p. 1855, §3, effective June 1; (7)(a) amended, (SB 09 -163), ch. 293, p. 1546, §57, effective May 21. L. 2011: (1) repealed, (SB 11 -247), ch. 239, p. 1038, §4, effective May 27. L. 2015: (4) repealed, (HB 15-1323), ch. 204, p. 728, § 45, effective May 20. L. 2018: (3) amended, (SB 18-092), ch. 38, p. 450, § 129, effective August 8; (2) amended, (5), (6), (7), and (8) repealed, and (6.5) added, (SB 18-099), ch. 90, p. 717, § 1, effective August 8; (6) repealed, (HB 18-1141), ch. 59, p. 603, § 7, effective August 8.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-203 - [Effective Until 8/7/2024] Early childhood councils - established - rules

(1)
There is established a statewide integrated system of early childhood councils to improve and sustain the availability, accessibility, capacity, and quality of early childhood services for children and families throughout the state. The councils have consistent function and structure statewide and are governed by the department with input, cooperation, and support services from the departments of human services, education, and public health and environment.
(2)
The statewide system of early childhood councils consists of existing early childhood councils, renamed through this part 2 as "early childhood councils", and new councils designated and convened pursuant to this part 2, subject to available appropriations.
(3)
For new councils or for existing councils or partnerships that decide to reconfigure pursuant to this part 2, the board or boards of county commissioners shall designate a convening entity, which may include but is not limited to a local resource and referral agency, a county department of human services or social services, a local school district, a department of public health, or, prior to July 1, 2023, a Colorado preschool program council. The convening entity may convene a council either as part of a single county or as part of a multi-county regional network.
(4)
The executive director shall determine by rule the criteria necessary for establishing a single council for an area.
(5)
Nothing in this part 2 requires an existing council to reconfigure or reconvene.
(6)
Nothing in this part 2 requires a county to establish an early childhood council or to be a part of a multi-county council.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-103
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 90, §2, eff. 8/8/2018.
L. 97: Entire article added, p. 1124, § 1, effective May 28. L. 99: IP(3) amended and (4), (5), and (6) added, p. 1339, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: (3)(b.7) added, p. 40, § 9, effective May 14; (3) amended and (3.5), (7), and (8) added, p. 817, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2002: (3.7) added, p. 1620, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2005: (3.5), (3.7), and (8) amended, p. 899, § 3, effective June 2. L. 2007: Entire section R&RE, p. 1635, § 4, effective May 31. L. 2009: (2), (3), (5), and (6) amended, (HB 09 -1343), ch. 355, p. 1855, §4, effective June 1; (3) amended, (SB 09 -292), ch. 369, p. 1976, §101, effective August 5. L. 2011: (1) amended, (SB 11 -247), ch. 239, p. 1038, §5, effective May 27. L. 2018: (2) amended, (SB 18-099), ch. 90, p. 718, § 2, effective August 8.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-203 - [Effective 8/7/2024] Early childhood councils - established - rules

(1)
There is established a statewide integrated system of early childhood councils to improve and sustain the availability, accessibility, capacity, and quality of early childhood services for children and families throughout the state. The councils have consistent function and structure statewide and are governed by the department with input, cooperation, and support services from the departments of human services, education, and public health and environment.
(2)
The statewide system of early childhood councils consists of existing early childhood councils, renamed through this part 2 as "early childhood councils", and new councils designated and convened pursuant to this part 2, subject to available appropriations.
(3)
For new councils or for existing councils or partnerships that decide to reconfigure pursuant to this part 2, the board or boards of county commissioners shall designate a convening entity, which may include but is not limited to a local resource and referral agency, a county department of human or social services, a local school district, a department of public health, or, prior to July 1, 2023, a Colorado preschool program council. The convening entity may convene a council either as part of a single county or as part of a multi-county regional network.
(4)
The executive director shall determine by rule the criteria necessary for establishing a single council for an area.
(5)
Nothing in this part 2 requires an existing council to reconfigure or reconvene.
(6)
Nothing in this part 2 requires a county to establish an early childhood council or to be a part of a multi-county council.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 155,§ 21, eff. 8/7/2024.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-103
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 90, §2, eff. 8/8/2018.
L. 97: Entire article added, p. 1124, § 1, effective May 28. L. 99: IP(3) amended and (4), (5), and (6) added, p. 1339, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: (3)(b.7) added, p. 40, § 9, effective May 14; (3) amended and (3.5), (7), and (8) added, p. 817, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2002: (3.7) added, p. 1620, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2005: (3.5), (3.7), and (8) amended, p. 899, § 3, effective June 2. L. 2007: Entire section R&RE, p. 1635, § 4, effective May 31. L. 2009: (2), (3), (5), and (6) amended, (HB 09 -1343), ch. 355, p. 1855, §4, effective June 1; (3) amended, (SB 09 -292), ch. 369, p. 1976, §101, effective August 5. L. 2011: (1) amended, (SB 11 -247), ch. 239, p. 1038, §5, effective May 27. L. 2018: (2) amended, (SB 18-099), ch. 90, p. 718, § 2, effective August 8.
2024 Ch. 155, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-204 - Early childhood councils - applications - rules

(1)
A newly established or newly identified council shall submit to the department an application to become part of the statewide system of early childhood councils. The department shall develop and distribute the application form and criteria and an explanation of the process for joining the statewide system of early childhood councils. The department shall provide support for the preparation of applications.
(2)
A new council shall designate on its application the following information:
(a)
The intended service area;
(b)
The counties to be involved in the council;
(c)
Participating mandatory stakeholders;
(d)
The entity that serves as the original fiscal agent for the council; and
(e)
The signatures of the chair or chairs of the board or boards of county commissioners for the counties involved in the council, the legal signatory for the counties, and the president of a school district board of education involved in the council.
(3)
An existing early childhood council seeking to be newly identified as a council shall designate on its application a restatement of the following information:
(a)
The designated service area;
(b)
Current members;
(c)
Any additional stakeholders required to meet the membership requirements of section
26.5-2-205
;
(d)
The designated fiscal agent; and
(e)
Signatures of the current organization leadership, the fiscal agent, the chair or chairs of the board or boards of county commissioners of the counties involved in the council, and the president of a school district board of education involved in the council.
(4)
Each council shall develop a strategic plan based upon an assessment of the early childhood needs in the designated service area that includes:
(a)
A council infrastructure, including a plan for hiring a council director;
(b)
A technical assistance plan and an annual budget for developing a local early childhood system and infrastructure to improve and coordinate early childhood services; and
(c)
A plan for evaluating program performance and council process and effectiveness as it relates to the council's strategic plan.
(5)
The executive director shall promulgate rules to define the standards for acceptance of applications made pursuant to this section. Acceptance of an application is automatic if the application is complete, the signatures are in order, and it meets the standards set forth by the executive director pursuant to this subsection (5).
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-103.3
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 90, §3, eff. 8/8/2018.
L. 2007: Entire section added, p. 1636, § 5, effective May 31. L. 2011: (1) and (5) amended, (SB 11 -247), ch. 239, p. 1039, §6, effective May 27. L. 2018: IP(3) amended, (SB 18-099), ch. 90, p. 718, § 3, effective August 8.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 2 - LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-2-101 — 26.5-2-209) › Part 2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS (§§ 26.5-2-201 — 26.5-2-209) › Section 26.5-2-206 - Early childhood councils - duties

(1)
Each early childhood council has, at a minimum, the following duties and functions:
(a)
To apply for early childhood funding pursuant to section
26.5-2-207
;
(b)
To increase and sustain the quality, accessibility, capacity, and affordability of early childhood services for children five years of age or younger and their parents. To this end, each council shall develop and execute strategic plans to respond to local needs and conditions.
(c)
To establish a local system of accountability to measure local progress based on the needs and goals set for program performance;
(d)
To report annually the results of the accountability measurements defined in subsection (1)(c) of this section;
(e)
To select a fiscal agent to disburse funds and serve as the employer of the council director, once hired. The fiscal agent may or may not be a county.
(f)
To develop and implement a strategic plan as described in section
26.5-2-204 (4)
, including a comprehensive evaluation and report; and
(g)
To actively attempt to inform and include small or under-represented early childhood service providers in early childhood council activities and functions.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6.5-103.7
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 2007: Entire section added, p. 1636, § 5, effective May 31.