reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 7 - EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-3-701 — 26.5-3-707) › Section 26.5-3-707 - Funding support

The department and the department of health care policy and financing shall explore funding options for the program and improving access to mental health consultants, including access to various funding sources, as well as the children's basic health plan, article
8
of title
25.5
, and the state medical assistance program, articles
4
to
6
of title
25.5
. On or before January 1, 2023, the departments shall report on any identified funding options to the joint budget committee of the general assembly as necessary thereafter, in accordance with section
24-1-136
.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Added by 2021 Ch. 362,§13, eff. 6/28/2021.
L. 2021: Entire section added, (SB 21-137), ch. 2366, p. 2366, § 13, effective June 28.
For the short title ("Behavioral Health Recovery Act of 2021") and the legislative declaration in SB 21-137, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 362, Session Laws of Colorado 2021.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 8 - EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANT PROGRAMS (§§ 26.5-3-801 — 26.5-3-808) › Section 26.5-3-806 - Child care teacher salary grant program - created - timeline - criteria and eligibility - grant awards - reports - definitions

(1)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)
"CCCAP" means the Colorado child care assistance program created in part 1 of article
4
of this title 26.5.
(b)
"Child care center" has the same meaning as set forth in section
26.5-5-303
.
(c)
"Eligible entity" means a child care center licensed pursuant to part 3 of article
5
of this title 26.5 or a family child care home that has the following components:
(I)
Authorization to serve families pursuant to CCCAP; and
(II)
A quality rating of at least a level three pursuant to the Colorado shines quality rating and improvement system established in section
26.5-5-101
.
(d)
"Family child care home" has the same meaning as set forth in section
26.5-5-303
.
(e)
"Grant program" means the child care teacher salary grant program created in subsection (2) of this section.
(2)
There is created in the department the child care teacher salary grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to allow eligible entities to apply for a grant to increase the salaries of its early childhood educators.
(3)
The department shall solicit and review applications from eligible entities. Each application must, at a minimum, include:
(a)
A description of the number of early childhood educators proposed to receive a salary increase;
(b)
Verification that the eligible entity has had a quality rating of at least level three under the Colorado shines quality rating and improvement system during the past twelve months and specification of that quality rating level;
(c)
Verification that the eligible entity is authorized to administer subsidies under CCCAP;
(d)
Verification that the eligible entity is actively serving families that are subsidized through CCCAP; and
(e)
Written attestation the money received from the grant program will only be used to increase salaries of early childhood educators, as specified in subsection (4) of this section.
(4)
The department shall establish the percentage of salary increase for each early childhood educator, based on the number of applications and available appropriations.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-6-806
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 9 - FAMILY STRENGTHENING HOME VISITING PROGRAMS (§§ 26.5-3-901 — 26.5-3-904) › Section 26.5-3-901 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
Traditional methods of delivering family-strengthening service programs, which often require parents and their children to travel to a program site to access services delivered simultaneously to multiple families, often create barriers, such as limited access to transportation or creation of a stigma around receiving services, that prevent families, especially low-income families, from receiving the benefits of the services;
(b)
Evidence demonstrates that voluntary, high-quality, evidence-based programs that deliver family-strengthening support services help parents and other caregivers develop the skills and confidence needed to promote their children's healthy development and learning;
(c)
Home visiting is a service delivery strategy that is successfully used to deliver a wide array of high-quality, voluntary family-strengthening support services and that enables families to overcome barriers to access because the services are delivered in the home or other convenient settings, which are often selected by the family;
(d)
Home visiting is a service delivery strategy that can be leveraged to provide high-quality, voluntary, family-strengthening support services to more Colorado families who have fewer resources and are exposed to risk factors that may lead to poor outcomes in child development. Using home visiting to provide these services results in a strong return on investment by improving school readiness and helping Colorado's children reach their full potential.
(e)
Family-strengthening support services that are delivered through home visiting have also demonstrated improved family and child outcomes by promoting solid parent-child relationships, improving child and parental social-emotional and physical health, improving family economic security, identifying developmental delays early, providing timely child welfare intervention services, and preventing trauma and toxic stress.
(2)
The general assembly finds, therefore, that authorizing grant programs to support home visiting programs that deliver high-quality, voluntary, family-strengthening support services is one of the best strategies available to support parents and other caregivers in preparing children for future success and ensure all Colorado children are ready to learn when they arrive at school.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 9 - FAMILY STRENGTHENING HOME VISITING PROGRAMS (§§ 26.5-3-901 — 26.5-3-904) › Section 26.5-3-902 - Definition

As used in this part 9, unless the context otherwise requires, "home visiting" means a two-generation delivery strategy that is designed to overcome barriers to accessing services by providing a comprehensive array of voluntary, evidence-based, family-strengthening services to a family in a location usually selected by the family that is congruent with the services being provided, which location may include, but need not be limited to, the family's home, a health-care setting, or a family resource center.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 9 - FAMILY STRENGTHENING HOME VISITING PROGRAMS (§§ 26.5-3-901 — 26.5-3-904) › Section 26.5-3-903 - Family-strengthening grant programs - authorized requirements - implementation partner - rules

(1)
The department is authorized to operate grant programs to support local providers in delivering high-quality, voluntary, family-strengthening support services using home visiting strategies that are designed to overcome the access barriers often created by traditional delivery strategies. The executive director may promulgate rules as necessary to implement grant programs as authorized in this section.
(2)
Any grant programs that the department operates pursuant to this section must be designed to award grants to family support services providers that provide a continuum of high-quality, voluntary, family-strengthening support services that:
(a)
Serve families at some point during the period that extends from pregnancy through the child's enrollment in early elementary school grades;
(b)
Are evidence-based and have demonstrated significant positive outcomes in one or more of the following areas:
(I)
Child development and school readiness;
(II)
Family economic self-sufficiency;
(III)
Maternal and child health;
(IV)
Reductions in child maltreatment;
(V)
Family linkages and referrals to resources; and
(VI)
Positive parenting practices; and
(c)
Are delivered using a home visiting strategy to provide family services that is based on a national model for home visiting services or has been otherwise proven effective in overcoming barriers to accessing services.
(3)
In implementing a family-strengthening grant program pursuant to this section, the department shall contract with an implementation partner. If a grant program is based on a national model for delivering family-strengthening services, the department shall contract with a local public or private entity that is certified, or otherwise authorized, to lead in implementing the national model in the state, to act as the implementation partner. If a grant program is not based on a national model, the department shall issue a request for proposals to select an implementation partner. The public or private entity that the department selects must, at a minimum, have demonstrated experience and expertise with home visiting and the types of family-strengthening services that meet the purpose of the grant program. The duties of an implementation partner may be established by department rule and may vary based on the purpose of a particular grant program, but must, at a minimum, include:
(a)
Assisting the department in reviewing applications and selecting grantees; and
(b)
Working with applicants to complete a community readiness assessment when needed.
(4)
This part 9 does not apply to nor affect implementation of the "Colorado Nurse Home Visitor Program Act", part 5 of this article 3.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 3 - FAMILY AND CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (§§ 26.5-3-101 — 26.5-3-904) › Part 9 - FAMILY STRENGTHENING HOME VISITING PROGRAMS (§§ 26.5-3-901 — 26.5-3-904) › Section 26.5-3-904 - Home visiting grant program - authorized requirements - implementation partner - rules - definition - repeal

(1)
(a)
For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, the general assembly shall appropriate to the department one million dollars from the economic recovery and relief cash fund created in section
24-75-228
for purposes of implementing the home visiting grant program. For the purposes of this section, "home visiting" means a voluntary, evidence-based, two-generation, and home-based prevention program for families with children from prenatal to six years of age. The home visiting grant program must support school readiness, social-emotional growth, and age-appropriate child development and be delivered by a trained home visitor. The home visiting grant program must be prioritized to expand access to populations that are underserved by language, culture, or geography.
(b)
The use of money appropriated pursuant to this subsection (1) must conform with the allowable purposes set forth in the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021", Pub.L. 117-2, as amended. The department shall spend or obligate such appropriation In accordance with section 24-75-226 (4)(d).
(c)
The department shall comply with the compliance, reporting, record-keeping, and program evaluation requirements established by the office of state planning and budgeting and the state controller in accordance with section
24-75-226 (5)
.
(2)
This section is repealed, effective September 1, 2027.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 429,§ 36, eff. 6/5/2024.
Added by 2022 Ch. 345, §7, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-101 - Short title

The short title of this part 1 is the "Colorado Child Care Assistance Program Act".
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-2-801
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1217, § 1, effective June 3.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-102 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(a)
The state's policies in connection with the provision of child care assistance and the effective delivery of such assistance are critical to the ultimate success of any welfare reform program;
(b)
Children in low-income families who receive services through a child care assistance program need and deserve the same access to a broad range of child care providers as do children in families who do not need assistance;
(c)
It is critical to provide low- to moderate-income families with access to high-quality, affordable child care that fosters healthy child development and school readiness, while at the same time promotes family self-sufficiency and attachment to the workforce; and
(d)
Individual counties play a vital role in administering the child care assistance program and have local knowledge of their individual community needs.
(2)
Therefore, the general assembly hereby finds and declares that it is in the best interests of the state to:
(a)
Adopt the Colorado child care assistance program set forth in this part 1;
(b)
Adopt a consistent, statewide plan for child care provider reimbursement rates with a goal of payment rates that adequately cover the cost of quality child care to facilitate and increase access to high-quality child care for low-income families;
(c)
Achieve parity across counties in the state with regard to the CCCAP program and funding allocation.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-2-802
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 386,§2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2014 Ch. 259,§1, eff. 5/22/2014.
L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1217, § 1, effective June 3. L. 2008: Entire section amended, p. 2176, § 1, effective June 4. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1317), ch. 259, p. 1030, § 1, effective May 22. L. 2018: (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(d), and (2)(b) amended and (2)(c) added, (HB 18-1335), ch. 386, p. 2313, § 2, effective July 1.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-105 - Colorado child care assistance program - department duties

(1)
In addition to any other duties specified in this part 1, the department, under the supervision of the executive director, shall:
(a)
Administer or supervise the establishment, extension, and strengthening of the Colorado child care assistance program in cooperation with the federal department of health and human services and other state or federal agencies;
(b)
Provide services to county departments, including the organization and supervision of county departments for the effective administration of CCCAP, as set out in department rules as to program scope and content, including provision of child care assistance and compilation of statistics and necessary information relative to child care assistance;
(c)
Prescribe forms necessary for applications, reports, affidavits, and such other forms as it may deem necessary and advisable;
(d)
Cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions of the state and federal governments in the performance of activities in conformity with the purposes of this part 1; and
(e)
Act as the agent of the federal government in activities related to the Colorado child care assistance program in matters of mutual concern in conformity with this part 1 and in the administration of any federal money granted to the state to aid in the furtherance of CCCAP.
(2)
The department may review any decision of a county department and may consider any application for child care assistance upon which a decision has not been made by the county department within a reasonable time to determine the propriety of the action or failure to take timely action on an application for child care assistance. The department shall make such additional investigation as it deems necessary and shall, after giving the county department an opportunity to rebut any findings or conclusions of the department that the action or delay in taking action was a violation of or contrary to department rules, make such decision as to the granting of child care assistance and the amount thereof as in its opinion is justifiable pursuant to the provisions of this part 1 and department rules. Applicants or recipients affected by the decisions of the department, upon request, shall be given reasonable notice and opportunity for a fair hearing by the department.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-107 - Reconsideration and changes

(1)
A county department shall reconsider child care assistance awarded pursuant to this part 1 as frequently as and in the manner required by department rules. After further verification and record as the county department deems necessary or department rules may require, the amount of child care assistance provided may be changed or terminated, if the department or the county department finds that the recipient's circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant such action or if changes in state or federal law have been made that would warrant such action. A county department shall only require and collect any documentation that has changed since the recipient's most recent application or redetermination process and that is required to determine the recipient's continued eligibility.
(2)
In accordance with department rules, a county department may terminate child care assistance at any time for cause, or it may, for cause, suspend child care assistance for such period as it may deem proper. Timely notice to persons who are receiving child care assistance, but who are not eligible due to fraudulent acts, may be given five days before the date of a proposed action, in accordance with federal regulations.
(3)
Whenever child care assistance is terminated, suspended, or in any way changed, the county department shall at once report the decision to the recipient and to the department, setting forth the reason for the action. All such decisions are subject to review by the department in accordance with department rules.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 390,§ 5, eff. 6/4/2024.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-108 - Appeals

(1)
(a)
If a county department does not act on an application for child care assistance within a reasonable time after the application is filed, or if a county department denies an application in whole or in part, or if a county department suspends, terminates, or modifies a grant of child care assistance, the applicant or recipient, as the case may be, may appeal to the department in the manner and form prescribed by department rules. Every county department shall adopt procedures for the resolution of disputes arising between the county department and an applicant for or recipient of child care assistance prior to appeal to the department. The procedures are referred to in this section as the "dispute resolution process". Two or more counties may jointly establish the dispute resolution process. The dispute resolution process must be consistent with department rules. The dispute resolution process must include an opportunity for all clients to have a county conference upon the applicant's or recipient's request. This requirement may be met through a telephonic conference upon the agreement of the applicant or recipient and the county department. The dispute resolution process need not conform to the requirements of section
24-4-105
, as long as the department rules include provisions specifically setting forth expeditious time frames, notice, and an opportunity to be heard and to present information. If the dispute is not resolved, the applicant or recipient may appeal to the department in the manner and form prescribed by department rules. County notices to applicants or recipients must inform them of the basis for the county's decision or action and must inform them of their rights to a county conference under the dispute resolution process and of their rights to state-level appeal and the process for making the appeal.
(b)
Upon receipt of an appeal, the department shall give the appellant reasonable notice and an opportunity for a fair hearing in accordance with department rules. The hearing must comply with section
24-4-105
, and an administrative law judge must preside.
(c)
The appellant must have an opportunity to examine all applications and pertinent records concerning the appellant that constitute a basis for the denial, suspension, termination, or modification of child care assistance.
(d)
The appellant may represent himself or herself or may be represented by legal counsel, or by a relative, friend, or other spokesperson. Representation by a nonlawyer in this circumstance does not constitute the practice of law.
(2)
All decisions of the department are binding on the county department involved, and the county department shall comply with said decisions.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-112 - Exemptions - requirements

(1)
Notwithstanding any provision of section
26.5-4-111
to the contrary, an exempt family child care home provider, as defined in section
26.5-5-303
, is not eligible to receive child care assistance money through CCCAP if the provider fails to meet the criteria established in section
26.5-5-326
.
(2)
As a prerequisite to entering into a valid CCCAP contract with a county office or to being a party to any other payment agreement for the provision of care for a child whose care is funded in whole or in part with money received on the child's behalf from publicly funded state child care assistance programs, an exempt family child care home provider shall sign an attestation that affirms the provider, and any qualified adult residing in the exempt family child care home, has not been determined to be insane or mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction and a court has not entered, pursuant to part 3 or 4 of article
14
of title
15
, or section
27-65-110 (4)
or
27-65-127
, an order specifically finding that the mental incompetency or insanity is of such a degree that the provider cannot safely operate an exempt family child care home.
Amended by 2023 Ch. 303,§ 59, eff. 8/7/2023.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-2-805.5
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Ch. 210, §73, eff. 6/6/2016.
Amended by 2014 Ch. 259, §7, eff. 5/22/2014.
L. 2006: Entire section added, p. 1083, § 4, effective May 25. L. 2007: (2) amended, p. 318, § 2, effective April 2. L. 2010: (2) amended, (SB 10 -175), ch. 188, p. 803, §74, effective April 29. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1317), ch. 259, p. 1040, § 7, effective May 22. L. 2016: (1) amended, (SB 16-189), ch. 210, p. 775, § 73, effective June 6.
2023 Ch. 303, 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 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-113 - No individual entitlement

(1)
Nothing in this part 1 or any rules promulgated pursuant to this part 1 creates a legal entitlement in any person to child care assistance.
(2)
A county shall not create nor be interpreted as having created a legal entitlement in any person to assistance pursuant to this part 1.
(3)
Child care assistance awarded pursuant to this part 1 is awarded and held subject to the provisions of any amending or repealing law, and a recipient does not have a claim for compensation or otherwise by reason of the recipient's child care assistance being affected in any way by an amending or repealing law.
Renumbered from C.R.S. §
26-2-806
and amended by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1219, § 1, effective June 3.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-115 - Performance contracts

(1)
(a)
Each county, either acting singly or with a group of counties, shall enter into an annual performance contract with the department that identifies the county's or group of counties' and the department's duties and responsibilities in implementing the child care assistance program, including quality customer service to clients. The performance contract must include, but need not be limited to, requirements and provisions that address each party's duties and responsibilities to work in a collaborative manner to administer, financially support, and implement the child care assistance program using fair and objective criteria.
(b)
A county or group of counties may be penalized for not meeting any obligation under the performance contract. The penalties must be identified in the performance contract and may include a reduction in a future county block grant allocation.
(2)
The performance contract must set forth the circumstances under which the department may elect that it or its agent assume the county's or group of counties' administration and implementation of the child care assistance program.
(3)
If a disagreement concerning the performance contract arises between the county or group of counties and the department, either party may request resolution of the disagreement through an independent dispute resolution process that is agreed upon by the parties. If necessary to assure services are available within the county or group of counties, the department may enter into a temporary agreement with the county or group of counties or with another public or private agent until the disagreement is resolved.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 390,§ 8, eff. 6/4/2024.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-117 - Locating violators - recoveries

(1)
The executive director or district attorneys may request and receive from departments, boards, bureaus, or other agencies of the state or any of its political subdivisions, and the same are required to provide, such assistance and data as will enable the department and county departments properly to carry out their powers and duties to locate and prosecute any person who fraudulently obtains child care assistance pursuant to this part 1. Any records established pursuant to the provisions of this section are available only to the department, the county departments, the attorney general, and the district attorneys, county attorneys, and courts having jurisdiction in fraud or recovery proceedings or actions.
(2)
All departments and agencies of the state and local governments shall cooperate in the location and prosecution of a person who fraudulently obtains child care assistance pursuant to this part 1, and, on request of the county or district board of human or social services, the county director, the department, or the district attorney of any judicial district in this state, shall supply all information on hand relative to the location, employment, income, and property of said persons, notwithstanding any other provision of law making the information confidential, except the laws pertaining to confidentiality of tax returns filed pursuant to law with the department of revenue. The department of revenue shall furnish at no cost to inquiring departments and agencies such information as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part 1. The executive director shall, by rule, establish the procedures whereby this information is requested and provided. The department or county departments shall use such information only for the purposes of administering the Colorado child care assistance program pursuant to this part 1, and a district attorney shall use it only for the prosecution of persons who fraudulently obtain child care assistance pursuant to this part 1, and shall not use the information, or disclose it, for any other purpose.
(3)
A district attorney shall bill the actual costs and expenses incurred by the district attorney's office in carrying out the provisions of subsection (2) of this section to counties or a county within the judicial district in the proportions specified in section
20-1-302
. Each county shall make an annual accounting to the department on all amounts recovered.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 1 - COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-121) › Section 26.5-4-121 - Child and adult care food program feasibility study

(1)
The department, in consultation with the department of public health and environment, shall conduct or contract for a study to determine the feasibility of de-linking eligibility for the federal child and adult care food program from the Colorado child care assistance program. The study must include:
(a)
Research on alternative eligibility processes for participation in the federal child and adult care food program that is specifically tailored for license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers, as described in section 26.5-3-808; and
(b)
Guidelines and best practices for the implementation of alternative eligibility processes to ensure adequate oversight without creating undue administrative burdens for the department or license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers, while ensuring the nutritional well-being of children in the provider's care.
Added by 2024 Ch. 390,§ 9, eff. 6/4/2024.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 2 - COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-201 — 26.5-4-211) › Section 26.5-4-201 - Short title

The short title of this part 2 is the "Colorado Universal Preschool Program Act".
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 2 - COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-201 — 26.5-4-211) › Section 26.5-4-206 - Preschool special education services - department collaboration - memorandum of understanding

(1)
The department shall collaborate with the department of education through a memorandum of understanding as described in subsection (2) of this section to ensure all children with disabilities are served equitably in the Colorado universal preschool program, ensure access to classrooms that meet the individual needs of children with disabilities based on their individualized education programs, and ensure that preschool providers operate in accordance with federal and state law concerning education for preschool-age children with disabilities. In collaborating pursuant to this section, the department and the department of education shall, at a minimum:
(a)
Support local implementation of best practices;
(b)
Create training for preschool providers concerning the legal obligations for serving children with disabilities, including the responsibilities and obligations of administrative units specified in IDEA and ECEA; and
(c)
Collaborate to ensure preschool services delivered through the preschool program to children with disabilities are delivered in compliance with IDEA and ECEA.
(2)
The department and the department of education shall enter into a memorandum of understanding that, at a minimum:
(a)
Defines the roles and responsibilities of both departments, administrative units as defined in section
22-20-103
, and preschool providers, recognizing that the department of education is the identified agency responsible for compliance with the part B component of IDEA, as described in section
22-20-103(4)(b)
;
(b)
Describes data collection and sharing responsibilities in accordance with federal requirements and timelines, ensuring that all critical data can be disaggregated, while adhering to requirements for protecting personally identifiable information;
(c)
Describes each department's role in helping preschool providers and communities provide inclusive, individualized, meaningful, culturally relevant, linguistically relevant, active, and participatory learning for all children with disabilities, in accordance with each child's individualized education program;
(d)
Establishes procedures for holding all preschool providers accountable for providing access and supports for children with disabilities;
(e)
Recommends training programs for preschool providers in working with children with disabilities;
(f)
With regard to preschool program rules, establishes processes to:
(I)
Ensure that preschool program requirements are in compliance with and do not conflict with IDEA and ECEA; and
(II)
Ensure preschool program rules address all legal requirements for the provision of preschool services to eligible children with disabilities.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 2 - COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-201 — 26.5-4-211) › Section 26.5-4-207 - Preschool program evaluation and improvement process - independent evaluator

(1)
The department shall develop and implement a process for continuous evaluation and improvement of preschool providers who participate in the Colorado universal preschool program. At a minimum, the process must include a requirement that preschool providers use assessment and continuous improvement strategies that:
(a)
Are implemented through a coordinated system that includes the quality standards established in department rule; curriculum; professional development; developmentally appropriate, age-appropriate, and whole-child assessment that may be based on observational assessments of children's development and classroom-based teacher-child interactions; and data collection;
(b)
Support both continuous program improvement and the department's independent evaluation of the preschool program as provided in subsection (2) of this section;
(c)
Are designed to inform curriculum implementation, professional development, teacher supports, and resource allocation; and
(d)
Are appropriate for use with young children and for the purposes for which they are used.
(2)
The department shall contract with an independent evaluator to measure the success of the Colorado universal preschool program in improving the overall learning and school readiness of children who receive preschool services through the preschool program. In evaluating the success of the preschool program, the department shall ensure the independent evaluator has access to the necessary data to measure immediate and long-term child outcomes and to provide recommendations to improve teaching and learning, assess professional development inputs and outcomes, and improve teacher-child interactions. The department shall take into account the evaluations and recommendations of the independent evaluator in implementing the process for continuous evaluation and improvement described in subsection (1) of this section.
(3)
The department shall communicate the evaluations and recommendations of the independent evaluator to families, communities, preschool providers, local coordinating organizations, the state board of education, and the general assembly, as appropriate, to inform and improve early childhood teaching and education and policy-making related to early childhood education.
(4)
The department shall take into account the evaluations and recommendations of the independent evaluator in reviewing and revising the preschool quality standards pursuant to section
26.5-4-205
; the plan for recruiting, training, and retaining a high-quality early childhood workforce pursuant to section
26.5-6-101
; and the state goals for implementing the preschool program.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 3 - KINDERGARTEN READINESS ONLINE PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-301 — 26.5-4-304) › Section 26.5-4-301 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
All children in the year before they are eligible to enroll in kindergarten should have access to social-emotional and academic supports that are important for school readiness;
(b)
The state should provide a wide range of choices for families to access kindergarten readiness supports, including the option for online kindergarten readiness programs; and
(c)
To receive state funding, an online kindergarten readiness program should demonstrate strong evidence of effectiveness in teaching a diverse array of children, provide evidence-based online curriculum, incorporate family engagement, and undergo periodic evaluation to measure effectiveness in preparing children to learn in kindergarten.
(2)
The general assembly therefore finds that, to best serve all families, it is appropriate for the state to support an online kindergarten readiness pilot program as a choice for parents who seek to access academic and readiness support services for their children in the year preceding kindergarten eligibility.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 3 - KINDERGARTEN READINESS ONLINE PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-301 — 26.5-4-304) › Section 26.5-4-302 - Online kindergarten readiness pilot program - created - survey - provider selection - funding

(1)
There is created in the department the online kindergarten readiness pilot program, referred to in this part 3 as the "pilot program", to provide funding for a voluntary, online kindergarten readiness program that serves children in the year before eligibility for kindergarten enrollment. The purposes of the pilot program are to:
(a)
Help ensure that, in the year before eligibility for kindergarten enrollment, children receive personalized, online support in reading, mathematics, and science that is developmentally appropriate;
(b)
Provide training for parents and other family members to help them assist their children in learning; and
(c)
Raise the level of kindergarten readiness for all children, including children who are in low-income families.
(2)
The department shall conduct a statewide survey to determine the number of families who would be interested in participating in the pilot program. The department shall compile and submit the results of the survey by December 1, 2022, to the joint budget committee of the general assembly and the office of state planning and budgeting.
(3)
(a)
The department shall issue a request for information for a provider to make an online kindergarten readiness program available to families statewide. At a minimum, a provider must demonstrate:
(I)
The ability to provide technology to families that choose to participate in the online program but do not have the appropriate technology to be able to do so;
(II)
The use of a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and evidence based and has demonstrated effectiveness in preparing children to learn in kindergarten;
(III)
Strong evidence of the effectiveness of the provider's online kindergarten readiness program overall in preparing children to learn in kindergarten and in developing strong social-emotional skills in children who participate in the program; and
(IV)
An effective plan for recruiting families from diverse backgrounds in all geographic areas of the state to voluntarily enroll in the program.
(b)
By May 1, 2023, based on the responses to the request for information, the department, subject to available appropriations for the 2023-24 fiscal year, may select and contract with a single provider to provide an online kindergarten readiness program. At a minimum, the contract must require the provider to provide statewide notice of the availability of the online kindergarten readiness program and begin enrolling families, free of charge, for the 2023-24 school year.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 3 - KINDERGARTEN READINESS ONLINE PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-301 — 26.5-4-304) › Section 26.5-4-303 - Reporting

(1)
Beginning with the hearing held in January of 2025, as part of the annual hearing held pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article
7
of title
2
, the department shall report on the implementation of the pilot program, including:
(a)
The number of children enrolled in the pilot program for the preceding fiscal year;
(b)
The number and percentage of children enrolled in the preschool program who were in low-income families and who met one or more of the qualifying factors established in department rule pursuant to section
26.5-4-204 (4)(a)(II)
, including identifying the qualifying factors that were met;
(c)
The demographics of the children enrolled in the pilot program, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, disability, and income;
(d)
Quantitative and, to the extent available, qualitative data, including student outcomes to the extent they are available, demonstrating the effectiveness of the pilot program in improving the overall learning and kindergarten readiness of children enrolled in the pilot program; and
(e)
Any additional information necessary to determine the effectiveness of the pilot program in preparing children to learn in kindergarten.
(2)
The department may request and the provider shall provide information as necessary for the department to prepare the report described in subsection (1) of this section.
(3)
The department shall annually publish on the department website the information provided in the report described in subsection (1) of this section.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 3 - KINDERGARTEN READINESS ONLINE PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 26.5-4-301 — 26.5-4-304) › Section 26.5-4-304 - Repeal of part

This part 3 is repealed, effective July 1, 2029.
Added by 2022 Ch. 123,§3, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26.5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (§§ 26.5-1-101 — 26.5-6-103) › Article 4 - CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION (§§ 26.5-4-101 — 26.5-4-403) › Part 4 - YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 26.5-4-401 — 26.5-4-403) › Section 26.5-4-401 - [Effective 8/7/2024] Definitions

As used in this part 4, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Abuse" means physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child.
(2)
"Coach" means a person employed or volunteering as a coach, manager, or supervisor of a youth athletic activity but does not include occasional assistance with or support of the youth athletic activity by a person, including the action of other volunteers or employees of the youth sports organization in a passing, general, or nominal manner.
(3)
(a)
"Youth sports organization" means a private for-profit or not-for-profit organization that, as part of its core function, provides persons who are less than eighteen years of age the opportunity to participate in scheduled competitive or recreational sporting activities, whether individually or as a team, but does not include a sporting activity that is incidental to a nonathletic program or lesson.
(b)
"Youth sports organization" does not include:
(I)
A neighborhood youth organization, as defined in section 26.5-5-303;
(II)
A public or private school serving any of grades kindergarten through twelve;
(III)
A licensed child-care facility;
(IV)
A public or private institution of higher education; or
(V)
An organization that merely provides the opportunity to participate in an unsupervised, unscheduled competitive or recreational sporting event on a walk-in basis.
Added by 2024 Ch. 196,§ 1, eff. 8/7/2024.
2024 Ch. 196, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).