Child Care Resource & Referral

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:

  • notice of scholarship and grant opportunities for early childhood teachers and     programs;
  • updates about 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-CARE or visit www.qualistar.org.