Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC) is an independent nonprofit organization that rallies support, resources, and awareness to ensure every young child in our community has quality early childhood experiences so they thrive from day one.
Whether in Estes Park or Wellington, Red Feather Lakes or Berthoud, every young child benefits from diverse, committed caregivers and engaged professionals in their lives. We know when this happens, children grow up healthier, happier, and ready for success in school and in life.
Early Childhood Council of Larimer County has been striving to dismantle systemic inequities and make this a reality in our community for decades. We work tirelessly and strategically together with everyone important in a young child’s life, from parents to teachers, and from physicians to psychologists, to equitably modernize and prioritize early childhood experiences. We provide expert coaching and consultation, build leadership capacity, incubate innovative ideas, spearhead community collaboration, advocate for policies and funding, and design and pilot programs.
We only get one childhood. When every young child is cared for in an environment that invigorates their learning and supports their wellbeing, they are set up for a life of health and happiness, which elevates our entire community.
History
Early Childhood Council of Larimer County began in 1997 as a community collaboration focused on early childhood issues in our community. ECCLC was one of 12 original Consolidated Child Care Pilots for the State of Colorado established by legislation to help support and build local early childhood systems.
In 2003, ECCLC became an independent 501(c)(3) with a governing board and paid staff members. In 2006, Colorado passed HB 1062, which expanded Early Childhood Councils statewide and provided on-going funding for ECCLC through the Colorado Department of Human Services.
ECCLC is one of Colorado's 34 Early Childhood Councils working to improve services to children and families. The Councils focus their efforts on improving availability and quality of services in the areas of family support and education, health & well-being, and learning & development. This work is guided by the Early Childhood Colorado Framework.
Today, our Council is recognized as one of the leading Early Childhood Councils in the state. We are widely respected as a center of excellence and a hub for innovative early childhood solutions that support long-term, positive, and sustainable change for families in our community.
Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan
Mission: We bring the community together to share knowledge and resources, build expertise and work collaboratively to ensure that all young children in Larimer County have the care, support and opportunities necessary to grow, learn and succeed.
Vision: All children in Larimer County are valued, healthy and thriving.
Strategic Plan: 2020 – 2025 Goals
- Broaden and diversify a qualified and well-compensated early childhood workforce.
- Increase the number of families that can access and afford quality child care.
- Elevate and support community involvement and investment in quality early childhood experiences.
- Collaborate with families and community organizations to address and break down barriers to accessing services.
- Support infant and early childhood mental health and social emotional development.
Click to see our full 2020 - 2025 Strategic Plan
Annual Evaluation Reports
ECCLC Annual Evaluation Report - July 2022 (FY22)
ECCLC Annual Evaluation Report- July 2021 (FY21)
2015-2020 Strategic Plan Evaluation Report (FY20)
Annual Reports