CSPC Second Round of Grantees FFN

CSPC Second Round of Grantees FFN

by | Sep 23, 2025 | Child Care, ECE, FFN, Policy, Uncategorized

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Jaimi Flores
Jaimi@coparentcoalition.org

DENVER, CO — September 23, 2025 —

The Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), is proud to announce the second round of recipients for the Friend, Family, and Neighbor (FFN) Support Grant Program. This milestone continues the momentum of Colorado’s historic investment in strengthening community-based childcare options across the state.
The FFN Support Grant Program, established by the Colorado State Legislature in 2022, was the first initiative of its kind in the country. It provides resources, training, and support to FFN childcare providers—who currently care for over 50% of Colorado’s young children, including more than 60% of children aged three and under.
“CDEC celebrates this partnership with the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition and the eight new awardees for the FFN Training and Support Program,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “The momentum from this program speaks to the need to provide outreach and resources to FFN providers across the state as they play a vital role in supporting children and families in Colorado.”
“CSPC is thrilled to support more groups who are committed to supporting FFN providers across the state,” said Lorena Garcia, CEO of the Colorado Statewied Parent Coalition. “FFN providers have always been the backbone of the childcare sector and will always be the backbone. We need to keep investment in FFN strong.”
The following organizations have been selected to receive funding in the second round of the FFN Support Grant Program:
  • Gunnison County dba Gunnison Hinsdale Early Childhood Council – $42,002.09
  • Tutela Institute – $54,846.00
  • North Range Behavioral Health – $96,442.49
  • Roots Family Center – $61,160.00
  • Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County – $66,011.49
  • Early Milestones Colorado – $199,780.00
  • Mile High United Way – $205,633.45
  • Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success – $41,653.70
These awardees will lead efforts to expand professional development opportunities, culturally relevant resources, and programmatic support for FFN providers in their respective communities.
The FFN Support Grant Program will continue to make a lasting impact through 2026, with funding available through December 31 of that year.
For more information about the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition or the FFN Support Grant Program, visit FFN Grant | Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition or contact Abril Fuentes Abril@coparentcoalition.org
Coloradans Launch 2026 ballot push for graduated state income tax

Coloradans Launch 2026 ballot push for graduated state income tax

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Policy, Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
Alicia Caldwell
caldwell@bellpolicy.org
303-810-9909

Coloradans launch 2026 ballot push for graduated state income tax

New ballot measure proposals would cut taxes for 98 percent of Coloradans,
raise revenue to address budget crisis

DENVER, CO — September 3, 2025 — The Protect Colorado’s Future coalition today announced plans to put a graduated income tax on the 2026 ballot. This proposal would lower taxes for 98 percent of Coloradans, while raising taxes on individuals and corporations making more than $500,000 a year.

The proposal comes in direct response to Colorado’s budget crisis, caused by state revenue limits and federal budget cuts. This budget gap has led to $1.5 billion in cuts to vital state programs this year alone. The state’s existing budget squeeze forced massive program cuts earlier this year, but President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” threw our state into free fall, taking away funds for healthcare, food assistance, and schools to benefit giant corporations and give tax breaks to the wealthiest.

Protect Colorado’s Future says it’s time to fix the state’s tax system. For 50 years, Colorado used a graduated income tax system, in which those with higher incomes paid higher taxes. This system ended in 1987, when an anti-tax legislature replaced it with an inequitable “flat tax,” lowering taxes on those making the most and gradually draining the state budget. The coalition aims to ask voters to fix that injustice through a ballot measure in 2026, and began that process today by filing three versions of a ballot initiative.

“Colorado is at a turning point,” said Chris deGruy Kennedy, President and CEO of the Bell Policy Center, a member of the coalition. “For more than three decades, an upside-down tax code has hurt Colorado’s schools, health care, childcare and the environment. We’ve made the wealthy even wealthier while everyone else struggles to keep up. The cruel cuts to healthcare and the absurd corporate tax giveaways in the federal budget bill have pushed Colorado over the edge, and only the voters of Colorado have the power to make the wealthy pay their fair share and restore funding to critical state priorities.”

Colorado is especially vulnerable to federal cuts because a state constitutional amendment called the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR, creates an arbitrary budget formula that legislators must follow, restricting the state’s ability to fund essential public services. The amendment also makes the 1987 flat tax permanent, unless overturned at the ballot. The result is seen in this year’s state budget: a $1.2 billion dollar deficit impacting every Coloradan, from young children to older adults, in all parts of the state.

“Our generation is tired of waiting for someone else to save our future while our economic security gets worse with every failed minimum wage increase, additional hundreds of dollars added to our rent, and funding cuts to programs we rely on like Medicaid and Higher Education,” said Christina Soliz, Executive Director of New Era Colorado, another member of the coalition. “While the wealthy continue to thrive, young people are questioning whether Colorado is even a feasible place to build their lives. We’re taking our future into our own hands, and that begins with demanding the wealthy pay their fair share.”

The graduated income tax proposal will help recapture some of the $71,000 the wealthiest Coloradans will receive in 2026 from Trump’s tax cuts, reinvesting those dollars back into classrooms, healthcare, childcare, and other state priorities that could include food security, public safety, or workforce development programs.

Additional quotes from member organizations

  • Brace Gibson, Policy Director at Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger: “It’s time to put people first and build a fairer tax system that ensures every Coloradan can meet their basic needs like putting food on the table. Outdated policies like TABOR and federal tax breaks for the wealthy make that harder. We can and should do better by investing in food access, schools, healthcare, transportation, and other essential services that all of our communities rely on.”
  • Kathy White, Executive Director at Colorado Fiscal Institute: “Colorado’s working families shouldn’t have to pick up the tab so the wealthiest get a $71,000-a-year gift from Congress — especially when TABOR has already tied our hands for decades. A graduated income tax is just common sense: 98% of us get a tax cut, and the folks doing really well chip in a fair share to keep our schools strong, our healthcare system solid, and our communities thriving. That’s how we build a Colorado where everyone gets ahead, not just the lucky few.”
  • Heather Tritten, President and CEO of the Colorado Children’s Campaign: “A new approach to income taxes would open up a world of opportunity for Colorado’s children and communities. Imagine a future where Colorado can build the schools, health care system, child care supports, and strong, safe, generous communities our children need and deserve. Imagine a future where our state’s resources match the true prosperity of our communities. Imagine a future where we are not as vulnerable to the whims of federal policymakers. This proposal is a step toward that future.”

About the Protect Colorado’s Future Coalition

Protect Colorado’s Future is a coalition of concerned Coloradans, working toward fairer taxation and a state budget that can afford the vital services and programs our families and neighbors depend on to survive. Protect Colorado’s Future is led by the following nonprofit organizations:

The Bell Policy Center

Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger

Colorado Center on Law and Policy

Colorado Children’s Campaign

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition

Colorado Fiscal Institute

Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition

Counties & Commissioners Acting Together

Great Education Colorado

New Era Colorado

Additionally, the following organizations have signed on to our statement of purpose:

“We support the concept of a state graduated income tax that requires the wealthy to pay their fair share so Coloradans can have well-funded schools, adequate and affordable health care, and the ability to respond to economic disruptions.”

Stand for Children Colorado

Hunger Free Colorado

Cobalt

Boulder County

Colorado PTA

Towards Justice

City of Boulder and Mukuyu Collective

Clear Creek County

Bread and Roses Legal Center

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Community Economic Defense Project

Engage Jeffco

Arvadans for Progressive Action

League of Women Voters of Colorado

Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization

Young Invincibles

Caring for Colorado

Rocky Mountain NAACP

AFSCME Colorado

Nos Solidarizamos con Nuestra Comunidad Inmigrante

Nos Solidarizamos con Nuestra Comunidad Inmigrante

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

Nos Solidarizamos con Nuestra Comunidad Inmigrante/ CSPC Stands with Immigrant Families

English message follows after the Spanish version.

En la Coalición Estatal de Padres de Colorado (CSPC), estamos profundamente preocupados por las acciones recientes dirigidas contra nuestras comunidades inmigrantes de parte de la administración del presidente Trump. Rechazamos cualquier política que cause miedo e incertidumbre a las familias con las que trabajamos cada día. Creemos firmemente que Estados Unidos solo es fuerte cuando respeta a todos sus residentes y valora la diversidad de nuestras comunidades. 

Sabemos que estos tiempos no son fáciles, y queremos recordarles que no están solos. Las familias inmigrantes y los proveedores de cuidado infantil en el hogar son esenciales para nuestra sociedad, y en CSPC seguimos comprometidos en apoyarles con recursos, información y acompañamiento. 

Algunas cosas que uds. pueden hacer:  

Una nota para nuestras organizaciones: ¿Cómo Podemos Ayudar? 

Aquí hay algunas acciones que podemos tomar para apoyar a nuestras familias y colegas inmigrantes: 

  • Compartir información confiable sobre derechos y recursos disponibles para las familias afectadas.  
  • Ofrecer espacios seguros para que las familias expresen sus preocupaciones y accedan a apoyo sin temor. 
  • Defender políticas justas que protejan a nuestras comunidades y garanticen su bienestar.  
  • Mantenernos unidos, mostrando solidaridad y apoyo en estos tiempos difíciles. 

Si conoces a alguien que necesite ayuda o información, por favor compárte estos recursos. Juntos, podemos enfrentar estos desafíos y seguir construyendo comunidades más seguras y equitativas para todos. 

Estamos con ustedes, hoy y siempre. 

– El equipo de CSPC 

CSPC Stands with Immigrant Families

At the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC), we are deeply concerned about the recent actions taken by the Trump administration against our immigrant communities. We firmly reject any policy that instills fear and uncertainty in the families we work with every day. We strongly believe that the United States is only truly strong when it respects all its residents and values the diversity of our communities.

We know these times are not easy, and we want to remind you: you are not alone. Immigrant families and home-based child care providers are essential to our society, and at CSPC, we remain committed to supporting you with resources, information, and advocacy.

Things You Can Do:

A Note for Organizations: How Can We Help?

Here are some actions we can take to support immigrant families and colleagues:

  • Share reliable information about rights and available resources for affected families.
  • Offer safe spaces where families can express their concerns and access support without fear.
  • Advocate for just policies that protect our communities and ensure their well-being.
  • Stand together, showing solidarity and support in these difficult times.

If you know someone who needs help or information, please share these resources with them. Together, we can face these challenges and continue building safer, more equitable communities for all.

We stand with you, today and always.

– The CSPC Team

A First Timers Experience at the Colorado State Capitol

A First Timers Experience at the Colorado State Capitol

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Policy, Uncategorized

House of Representatives during opening session, 1/10/2024

A First Timers Experience at the Colorado State Capitol

By Leslie Sarabia Vasquez/Marketing and Communications Coordinator 

Exploring the Colorado Capitol

I began my journey with Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition in December of 2023 as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Although I have only been with CSPC for little over a month, I have had great opportunities to learn more about what we do for the community and why we do it. On Wednesday, January 10th, I was able to join my fellow CSPC colleagues at the Colorado Capitol for the first day of the legislative session 2024. When I was first given this task of shadowing my colleagues, I had no idea what the legislative session was, and I had never been to the Colorado Capitol, even though I have only lived 20 minutes away my entire life. Many people, just like me, have never been to the Colorado Capitol and have a hard time understanding everything that happens within those walls. Visting the Colorado Capitol for the very first time can be scary, and I should know because that is how I felt, but that shouldn’t stop you from going and learning about what happens at the Colorado Capitol.

I always assumed that I had no reason to be there and that it wouldn’t benefit me in any way. On Wednesday, January 10th, all my opinions about Colorado’s government changed drastically. it is a ginormous building, filled with so many important people including you, a lot of history and beautiful artwork. When I arrived to the Capitol, I had to go through security to make sure I didn’t have any weapons. I saw all these people running around, trying to get to their offices, or to get a table and work. Since I went on a day that was very important, Opening Day, there were so many people, and it was interesting to see how many people wanted to be a part of the first day of the legislative session. The legislative session is open to anyone and if you haven’t been to one in person, I would encourage you to go.  

From right, Colorado’s capitol dome.  CSPC team: Natalia Alvarez, Marina Cruz, Angelica Prisciliano, Claudia Sanchez, Laura Peniche, Leslie Sarabia. View of inside the capitol.

Discovering the Power of Civic Engagement

There are many procedures, rules and ceremony that make it hard to follow, especially if you are new to policy making. The session opened with calling the names of all the Representatives of the House to mark attendance. From there, it was hard to keep up, they began with voting on specific items and since I had no idea what these were, it was difficult to understand. This difficulty might have stemmed from the fact that I have not been as present as I need to in the policy department and that’s a change that I need to make. By figuring out a point to start to understand policy and all its factors, I can begin to not only help my team but also to help myself grow personally and professionally. It all starts with asking questions.

My fellow colleague, Angelica Prisciliano, CSPC’s Policy Director, was very helpful in answering my questions regarding what the legislative session is and why it’s important, why we had to be there and why those that are elected to represent us need to see us there. 

Making Sense of the Legislative Process

“The Colorado legislative session is the period in which elected policy makers propose, discuss, and vote on proposed changes to the law, also known as bills. Bills are proposed in a variety of topics that impact all Colorado residents. Legislators discuss matters on education, health and safety, labor, environmental issues and more. The legislative process is an important part of how our government functions because it seeks to find agreement and representation of the people of Colorado. There are many ways to make your voice heard in the legislative process like coming down to the Colorado Capitol Building to meet your legislators and asking them to support proposed laws that impact you. No matter where you come from, your beliefs, or immigration status, your voice matters!” – Angelica Prisciliano 

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC) strives to be part of a movement which fights for equity in education, helps build that support and empowerment for parents and childcare providers to learn about the system and change it. What I enjoy about working at CSP, is that they don’t just stop at identifying the problem. We work with our community to come up with a solution, they follow through with it and make it happen by coming together with the community and the people who work in policy to help start making positive impacts. After just working with CSPC for a little over a month, it’s clear that the connection between the work of CSPC and policy is a very important factor. Of course, I still have so much to learn about this connection and how it plays out exactly, but this topic area of policy is complex and will take time and patience to understand. Even if you have no idea what is happening half the time, all you need to do is ask questions and try to make connections with those who know about policy. And trust me, this process of learning this is going to be a long process, but in the end, it is worth it if you want to be a part of making a positive impact in your community. All you need is some time and patience because there are a lot of moving parts in this area.

Whether you know a little something about policy or you’re just interested in learning more about it, you can watch the recorded legislative session 2024 that took place on Wednesday January 10th at  Watch Meetings: Colorado Channel

The Cultural Richness of FFN Providers

The Cultural Richness of FFN Providers

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Child Care, ECE, FFN, Parents, Uncategorized

The Cultural Richness of FFN Providers

Nurturing a Richer Experience for Children

In the vibrant mosaic of our communities, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers bring a wealth of diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences to the world of early childhood education. These dedicated caregivers play a vital role in shaping the lives of children, offering them a unique opportunity to learn and grow within a culturally rich environments.

Why Cultural Richness Matters

Cultural richness refers to the wide array of cultural backgrounds, traditions, languages, and experiences that FFN providers bring to their caregiving roles. The families who entrust their children to FFN providers often come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Embracing and celebrating this cultural richness can have numerous positive effects on child’s development.

Here are some compelling reasons why recognizing and appreciating cultural diversity in FFN caregiving is important for families:

1. Respect for Diversity: Our communities are a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Culturally competent caregivers and families embrace this diversity, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

2. Effective Communication: Understanding cultural nuances enhances communication between caregivers, children, and families. It promotes clear and empathetic interactions that strengthen relationships.

3. Tailored Care: Cultural competence allows caregivers to provide care that aligns with a child’s cultural context. This tailored approach can positively influence a child’s sense of identity and belonging.

Shared Cultural Backgrounds: Strengthening Bonds

In some beautiful instances, FFN providers share the same cultural background as the families they help. This connection can create an even more profound opportunity for your child to solidify their cultural identity. When FFN providers and child families come from the same cultural heritage, there’s a shared understanding of traditions, values, and language. This shared cultural experience can help children feel more connected to their roots, speak their native language fluently, and truly understand the richness of their own culture. It’s a heartwarming aspect of FFN caregiving that not only fosters cultural pride but also strengthens the bond between the caregiver, the child, and the family.

The Impact on Children

By actively embracing and celebrating the cultural richness of FFN providers, you provide your child with a profound opportunity for growth and enrichment. They will develop a broad worldview, cultural sensitivity, and a deep appreciation for the diverse world around them.

In the rich mosaic of early childhood education, FFN providers  can be some of the the pieces that form the big picture of cultural understanding and acceptance. As families, let’s cherish and celebrate this diversity, recognizing the invaluable contributions that FFN providers make to our children’s lives.

Together, we can ensure that every child’s journey is enriched by the vibrant cultural tapestry that surrounds them, fostering a generation that truly appreciates and celebrates the beauty of diversity.

Jennifer’s Graduation Speech

Jennifer’s Graduation Speech

by | Oct 29, 2023 | Child Care, ECE, FFN, Uncategorized

Jennifer’s Graduation Speech

A Tale of Passion and Empowerment

The journey of an early childhood educator is marked by determination, passion, and unwavering commitment. It’s a path filled with invaluable lessons and inspiring mentors that shape the educators of tomorrow. In this installment of our “Amplifying FFN Voices” series, we introduce you to Jennifer Chavez, a remarkable individual who embarked on her journey towards becoming an Early Childhood Educator with the help of the Providers Advancing Student Outcomes (PASO) program.

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. Her graduation speech encapsulates the essence of her journey, highlighting the role of her teacher, the significance of PASO, and her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds. As we delve into Jennifer’s heartfelt words, we invite you to join us in celebrating the aspirations and accomplishments of future educators like her.

2023 Spring Graduation Speech 

Good Afternoon fellow classmates or should I say fellow graduates, teachers, Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition Staff members, families, and friends. My name is Jennifer Chavez and it is an honor to stand in front of you all. Class of 2023 we made it! So please take this opportunity and look at all of our classmates. I not only want you to celebrate each other and acknowledge all we have accomplished to this day. But also look at and remember these faces. These are the faces of winners, achievers, and lastly future Early Childhood Educators. I would also like to thank God for guiding us through all these steps we took to accomplish our goal in becoming successful Early Childhood Educators.   

  I want to thank my wonderful teacher Cesiah Hernandez. I am so grateful you were my instructor. You helped me see that I can be and do more in my career. You gave me the confidence and inspiration to dream big and fight for what I want. So thank you. I will always remember your beautiful smile especially when I deal with any of my students’ challenging behaviors. Advice you shared with me to succeed and that I am grateful for. My gratitude to you for all you have done, which I will never forget. I truly appreciate you and your time you spent helping me and my classmates on many occasions. Thank you very much for your time and passion for teaching this course. I enjoyed every minute of your lecture as well as your marvelous sense of humor and stories. 

 I would also like to thank all of the administrators, coordinators, and all staff members that are part of Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition for providing us with PASO (Providers Advancing Student Outcomes). This course helped us become and prepare ourselves as educators to keep the children under our care safe, healthy, and educated before they transition into school. 

 It is a pleasure to express my passion for teaching and becoming an Early Childhood Educator. In the words of Sidney Hook  “ Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system”. I want to be the teacher I needed as a child to support my students in becoming successful learners.  So that means advocating, teaching and modeling as I have been doing. I hope to continue to grow and achieve this with all the great experiences I gained through this course. Especially from all of the knowledge I obtained from the following theorists we learned from. Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive, comprehensive and physical development that begins in such valuable years of childhood. Erik Erikson who corresponds to Psychosocial Development. His role has taught us the emotional development in creating positive experiences and stable relationships to help children develop social skills, and create a concept of self and healthy self-esteem. Next, Lev Vygotsky with his theory in Sociocultural Development showed us how children acquire higher cognitive functions through interactions with the world that surrounds them. 

 Our last theorist Lawrence Kohlberg. His theory helps us analyze and understand that every human being from an early age goes through different stages in which their thoughts and moral values are changing, depending on the stage where you are, you are influenced by culture and the environment. How interesting, right. As you can see we were born to make a difference. So classmates, so much we’ve learned, so much we’ve worked, So many Thursdays, So many Saturdays, our class had to meet, we will finally get a good weekend sleep! So class of 2023 the future awaits us. Before I leave you I’d like to say. In the words of Hannah Montana;” I always knew this day would come. We’d be standing one by one with our future in our hands. So many dreams, so many plans. I always knew after all these years, there’d be laughter, there’d be tears. But never thought I’d walk away with so much joy and so much pain”. So families, teachers, staff and friends please give a round of applause for our future Early Childhood Educators of Class 2023! 

Jennifer Chavez 

Jennifer Chavez’s graduation speech serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of programs like PASO in empowering Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers. It exemplifies the dedication and passion that FFN providers bring to their roles as early childhood educators, impacting the lives of children in profound ways.

As we applaud Jennifer’s achievements, let her story inspire us all to recognize the potential within FFN caregivers and the importance of supporting their educational journeys. The future of early childhood education is brighter when we empower individuals like Jennifer, who are committed to providing safe, nurturing, and enriching environments for the youngest members of our communities. Join us in amplifying the voices of FFN caregivers and celebrating their dedication to early childhood education.