Early Childhood Options, in partnership with Grand Beginnings in Grand County and Small Steps in Lake County, serves as the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) for Summit, Grand & Lake Counties.
Qualistar Colorado is the CCR&R network for the state of Colorado. The network consists of 17 agencies throughout the state that assist parents, child care providers, and their local communities.
CCR&R agencies provide guidance by phone, through workshops, newsletters, and in person giving parents:
- referrals to local child care providers;
- access to information about location, Qualistar Ratings, costs, hours of operation, and care philosophies;
- information on state licensing requirements;
- availability of tuition assistance for child care and preschool; and
- materials about parent education opportunities and family fun events.
CCR&R agencies assist early childhood professionals by providing:
- scholarship and grant opportunities for early childhood teachers and programs;
- trainings and professional development opportunities;
- resources and materials to support parent/provider partnerships; and
- a voice for the early childhood professionals in community planning and system building efforts.
CCR&R agencies support communities’ early childhood work and planning by:
- providing data and resources about the current state of early childhood in local communities;
- advocating for families, early childhood professionals and the importance of quality early care and learning.
To learn more about CCR&R or obtain more information about any of the services described above, call Early Childhood Options at 970-513-1170 ext 305 or email elowe@earlychildhoodoptions.org. For information for other parts of Colorado please call 1-877-338-2273 or visit www.qualistar.org.
To speak with a referral specialist for Summit and/or Lake County contact Early Childhood Options: Elizabeth Lowe at 970-513-1170 x305 or Johanna Kugler at 970-513-1170 x313
To speak with a referral specialist for Grand County contact Grand Beginnings: Nikki Eggers at 970-725-3391 x104
Child Care Resource & Referral is made possible in part by funding provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).