RFA for Early Childhood Councils for SFY26-SFY30

Background
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for Early Childhood Councils for the State Fiscal Years 2026 to 2030.
The goal of this contract is to enhance early childhood services through infrastructure, quality improvement, technical assistance, and evaluation funding.
The program aims to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education programs across Colorado.

Work Details
The Contractor shall provide services as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW) attached as EXHIBIT A.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing a strategic plan that responds to local needs and conditions to increase and sustain the quality, accessibility, capacity, and affordability of early childhood services.
- Establishing a local system of accountability to measure progress based on defined goals.
- Reporting annually on accountability measurements defined in the strategic plan.
- Supporting recruitment and retention of licensed child care programs, particularly in areas identified as child care deserts.
- Providing technical assistance to new child care providers during the licensing process.
- Participating in Shared Measures data collection and promoting Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System engagement.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a five-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

Place of Performance
Services will be provided within designated service areas across Colorado as specified by each Early Childhood Council.