This program is no longer accepting applications

This program is no longer accepting applications.

Leading Edge for Child Care (Southern Colorado SBDC)

When: Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:00pm, for 5 weeks from September 14 - October 12, 2023

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free, but registration is required

Register Here

Target Audience: LEADING EDGE™ for Child Care Providers is for existing or new child care providers (home- or center-based) that wish to strengthen their business practices.

What to expect:

• Five virtual sessions (2.5 hours each) including interactive group work, subject matter experts, and guest speakers -

• Access to classes via WebEx with weekly presentations, group discussion forums, homework, financial spreadsheets, and templates

• One-on-one consulting with certified SBDC consultants, during the course and beyond

• Direct connections with local and statewide industry experts and key business leaders

• Continuous feedback on your business plan and strategy during the course

• Assistance in developing a funding/grant request

Description: We will be discussing the following topics to help enhance your business:

• Learn techniques on fee schedules

• What resources are available from state entities

• Grant preparation information

This course is eligible for PDIS credit. Full participation in the course is required to receive credit. Participation can also help earn points towards your Colorado Shines quality rating. Read more here.

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This program is funded through a collaborative between the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Children First, and the Southern Colorado SBDC. A primary objective of this project is to strengthen the childcare provider business model and enhance business owner skills so that these critically important services can continue to support our local economies.

This work is responsive to the Colorado Shines Brighter strategy 5.1.2 Business Practices.

Project Include provides training, support, and equipment to assist licensed Colorado family child care homes, child care centers, and preschools in developing learning environments and curriculums that are more inclusive for all children, including those with delays and disabilities.

Programs that wish to participate in Project Include do not need prior experience with adaptive equipment. Project Include aims to give your program new ideas and expert guidance to start using adaptive equipment in your program. Adaptive equipment is any device or product that supports young children with delays or disabilities to do something they could not otherwise do.

Complete this application if you are interested in free adaptive materials kits, instructional videos, and technical support to be better prepared to include children with delays and disabilities in your child care. Learn more about Project Include here.

A one-time financial incentive is available to providers that increase their program’s Colorado Shines quality level from Level 1 to 2 or from Level 2 to 3-5.

The application for the Quality Improvement Incentive is rolling, meaning you can apply at any time. To be eligible for the bonus, please begin the quality improvement process. The first step is to work with your local Early Childhood Council to develop a quality Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The second step is to apply for the bonus through the Colorado Shines QRIS.

Level 2 ratings are approved by the program's Child Care Licensing Specialist. Programs seeking a high-quality rating (Level 3-5) need to apply through the Colorado Shines QRIS with the Level 3-5 application. The rating process can take four to six months to complete.

Even if you know a lot about caring for young children, you may benefit from more knowledge about how to run a successful business. Opportunities exist for child care providers across Colorado to build their business skills so they can operate successful and sustainable child care programs.

Individual Consultation

In addition to the training sessions, SBDC consultants are available to work with licensed child care providers one-on-one. These appointments focus on each business’s unique needs. One-on-one consultation is now available at no cost in English and Spanish. Click here to register for an appointment.

This initiative is a partnership between the Office of Early Childhood and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

This program is no longer accepting applications.