PCF partners with area agencies to support childcare providers’—or aspiring childcare providers’—work toward taking childcare coursework and earning college degrees that help them cement their futures in early childhood care and education.

“One of the most transformative experiences of my life was the day I started working in early childhood,” explains Kayla Kintz, an early childhood teacher in a licensed childcare center in Grand Junction.”

“After having children, I spent years wondering whether I should further my education while working at a childcare,” she says. “In spring 2018, I had the great opportunity to join the Child Development Associate (CDA) cohort sponsored by PCF.”

Child Development Associate classes

From April to September 2018, 16 participants completed PCF’s CDA courses. Funding for the CDA program is supported by Community Services Block Grant funds through Mesa County Department of Human Services and Mesa County Workforce Center. In 2018, these agencies provided funding to assist with nine college credits for each participant.

“I knew this was my chance to start my education,” Kayla says. “While taking the course, I was given the tools to grow and develop as an early childhood educator. The college credit opportunity at Western Colorado Community College has helped me to start on the career path of earning my associate degree in early childhood education, which will help me to provide quality care and education to the children in Mesa County.”

EQIT classes

Also in 2018, 45 participants took part in two sessions of Expanding Quality in Infant–Toddler Care (EQIT) classes, which also provide college credit.

Backed by the Colorado Department of Education and the Department of Human Services Division of Child Care, the EQIT project works with early childhood councils, infant and toddler specialists, and trainers to increase the quality and availability of responsive care for infants and toddlers throughout Colorado.

EQIT’s vision is that all infant and toddler caregivers act from an appreciation and understanding of their impact on each infant, toddler and family they serve.