A Universal Preschool Evidence-Building Hub has been created at the Colorado Lab to oversee all evidence-informed design and evaluation work on behalf of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The Universal Preschool Program helps fund preschool for Colorado children the year before kindergarten. The Colorado Lab has served as an evidence-building hub for CDEC […]
Early Childhood
Plans of Safe Care: National Presentation & Local Kick-Off
POSC Pilot Kick-off, Alamosa, July 19, 2024 We were excited for the opportunity to share insights on Colorado’s Plans of Safe Care (POSC) pilot program at the national level. Dr. Courtney Everson, Senior Project Director at the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab (Colorado Lab) gave an invited presentation to more than 500 registrants through the […]
New Report: Child Abuse Prevention Investment Strategy
The Colorado Lab partnered with the Colorado Child Abuse Prevention (COCAP) Trust Fund to develop a data-informed prevention investment strategy to help align and accelerate child maltreatment and family strengthening across Colorado. The investment strategy will be used by the COCAP Board to advance evidence-based decision making and smart state investments in child maltreatment prevention. […]
Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: Synthesis of Initial Evidence
A new Colorado Lab brief offers a bird’s eye view of findings from multiple evaluations underway for stimulus-funded strategies of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: Early Insights brief provides a cohesive overview of evidence building to date for evaluations from seven teams. Top-Line Early Insights on CDEC Strategic […]
Plans of Safe Care Pilot Underway in San Luis Valley
Substance use during pregnancy is a growing issue that demands data-informed, family-centered solutions. Stigma about addiction and fears about child welfare involvement mean many pregnant individuals are reluctant to seek treatment and support. Plans of Safe Care (POSC) can be used to engage a network of known, trusted organizations and providers to reduce barriers to […]
CDEC Stimulus Funding Evidence-Building
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) received over $700 million in federal and state stimulus funding in 2020-2021, with resources supporting 60+ activities that address pandemic recovery needs and advance the department’s strategic goals to strengthen and grow Colorado’s early childhood sector. Nearly half of the stimulus-funded activities are being evaluated, with the Colorado […]
Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: CCCAP Teacher Wage Increase Pilot and Spotlight on External Research Partner, MDRC
Between 2021 and 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood received over $700 million in stimulus funding to strengthen Colorado’s early childhood sector. The Colorado Lab is coordinating the Early Childhood Evaluation Hub, contracting with multiple evaluation teams to conduct high-quality evaluations of more than a dozen prioritized stimulus-funded activities to ensure the goals of […]
Early Childhood Mental Health Testimonial Videos
The Colorado Lab provided guidance and support to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) in creating two new videos about Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Consultation. The videos aim to grow understanding about how ECMH Consultation helps early childhood professionals and families across the state promote the mental health and healthy social-emotional development of […]
Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: Learning Sessions and Spotlight on Butler Institute’s Dr. Meg Franko
Between 2021 and 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood received over $700 million in stimulus funding to strengthen Colorado’s early childhood sector. The Colorado Lab is coordinating the Early Childhood Evaluation Hub, contracting with multiple evaluation teams to conduct high-quality evaluations of more than a dozen prioritized stimulus-funded activities to ensure the goals of […]
Use of Research Evidence to Improve Perinatal Health
The Colorado Lab partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to study how research evidence can be best used in policymaking to drive equitable opportunities in perinatal health. Authorized by SB21-194 (Maternal Health Providers), the study used a mixed methods approach, including expert interviews with state government, policy, community, and family […]