Early Childhood Stimulus Funding Evaluation Planning

Project Abstract

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) received a $119 million increase in Child Care and Development Fund grant funding authorized through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act in order to help states support the recovery and growth of the child care industry. Additionally, CDEC received over $280 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to fund additional recovery efforts for the child care industry. CDEC’s spending priorities focus on strengthening and expanding the early childhood sector in Colorado, to ensure all children have access to high quality child care.

CDEC partnered with the Colorado Lab to support evaluation planning of the stimulus-funded activities so the best possible evaluation strategies were pursued, including performance metrics, a theory of change, and recommended evaluation strategies best suited for stimulus-funded activities. The Colorado Lab brought in key research and evaluation experts from across Colorado universities and research organizations to engage in this planning effort.