Minutes and Evolution

Toolkit & Technical Assistance Program: Offers planning resources for providers, developers, and local governments.
Planning Grant Program: Provides funding to local governments to streamline zoning and regulatory processes for child care facilities.
Capital Grant Program: Allocates funds for constructing or renovating child care centers, with a 50% match required for centers and 25% for home-based providers.Colorado General Assembly+1Healthy Child Care Colorado+1

An initial $250,000 has been appropriated, with funds prioritized for areas demonstrating significant child care needs.Colorado General Assembly

2. SB25-017: Measures to Support Early Childhood Health

This legislation codifies two essential programs within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood:

Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs): Provide health and safety guidance to child care providers.
HealthySteps: Integrates behavioral health services into pediatric primary care for young children.Alliance for Early Success+8Healthy Child Care Colorado+8GovDelivery+8

The bill aims to enhance coordination among early childhood professionals and ensure sustained investment in child health initiatives. Healthy Child Care Colorado

3. SB25-119: Modifications to the Department of Early Childhood

This bill proposes several changes to the administration of early childhood programs:

Unified Application Access: Grants preschool providers administrative access to assist families with enrollment and ongoing participation.
Funding Distribution: Requires the department to distribute funds to providers in advance, based on enrollment data.
Educator-to-Child Ratios: Mandates the adoption of group size and ratio rules aligned with state licensing standards.FastDemocracy+1Colorado General Assembly+1 Colorado General Assembly

These modifications aim to streamline processes and enhance support for providers and families. Colorado General Assembly

4. HB25-1011: Regulation of Institutional Investment in Child Care Centers

Initially targeting private equity-backed child care centers, this bill was amended to apply to all child care providers. Key provisions included:

Pricing Transparency: Mandated online posting of tuition rates.
Notification Requirements: Required 60-day notice to families and staff before layoffs or changes in enrollment policies.Colorado Public Radio+2Chalkbeat+2Colorado General Assembly+2 Colorado General Assembly+3Colorado General Assembly+3Colorado Public Radio+3

However, the bill faced opposition and was ultimately rejected by the Colorado Senate, leaving current regulations unchanged.

Foundation History

🏛️ 2025 Colorado Early Childhood Legislation Highlights

Foundation History

2007- Nathaniel and Jacqueline Cradle CO-Founders visioned, that every child should have access to quality care; thereby, creating a 501 (c) 3 to support and design a new era of accountability within early education.
2009- Venture for Success Prep because the 1st early education site in NE-Denver to offer public health insurance applications (i.e., Medicaid and CHP+) to help families access providers with little or no cost. This initiative supported more than 35 families during this event.
2015- Venture for Success Prep's very own Jacqueline Cradle was appointed to the Governors (Governor Hickenlooper) Licensing Advisor Committee on Licensing of Child Care Facilities.
2018- Founders of the Venture for Success Prep created the "Pathways to Credentials Initiative," designed to support adults entering the field of early education. Helping our staff enter college could not be more easy, as our strategy deliberately creates class/work balance that strengthens the understanding of early development.
2018- Nathaniel Cradle joined the Colorado Sector Partnership Initiative to help identify gaps between policy and legislation, compensation, talent recruiting, retention and public perception.
2018- Jacqueline Cradle gained the credentials to offer a permanent solution for NE Denver's issue of "lack of resources." As a trainer, in Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT) her primary goal is to increase the quality and availability of responsive care for infant and toddlers throughout (not just NE Denver), but the state of Colorado.
2019- Venture for Success Prep. formed a partnership with the Daniels Fund to create Northeast Denver's 1st adult resource center for Early Education. Due to the the inconvenient distance for many of our practitioners, our solution to bring resources has been a wild success! The goal is to bring more teachers to the field and increase quality standards across the board. Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler (EQIT) courses start in 2020!
2020- Jacqueline Cradle was voted to become the Board Chair for the Colorado Licensing Advisory Board. Here she will continue to focus on solutions and improvements for licensed early education centers and homes.
2020- Nathaniel Cradle was voted to become Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children's Board Chair. Here he will continue to commit to promoting high quality education and support to all children, teaching staff and families.
2022 VFS formed a partnership with the Cradle Community Resource Center (CCRC) to bring more adult learning opportunities to the community of early education. The CCRC has performed DEI work for both COAEYC and The Howard Gomez Group.
2023 VFS Prep host a one-day free event on embracing mental health and achieving optimal well-being. Dr. Ware will share insights on how to embrace mental health in the workplace, tips on identifying signs of stress and anxiety, and strategies for promoting optimal well-being among children and colleagues.Constant Hine, is a leading authority on bouncing back from stress and challenges in early education. Constant will provide practical advice on how to recognize and manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook when faced with obstacles.This event promises to be an enriching experience for all early childhood educators who are passionate about creating supportive and healthy learning environments for children.
2023 Venture for Success Prep. earns the highest rating in Colorado and is now the largest 5 start facility in NE Denver.
2024 Land Acquisition complete and restructuring focus towards the next phase in evolution for the community.
2024 Venture for Success Preparatory (VFS Prep) elevated its employee benefits package by introducing a comprehensive 401(k) retirement plan, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting our team’s financial wellness and future security. This addition reflects VFS Prep’s dedication to fostering a rewarding and sustainable work environment for all staff members.