State’s Investments in Early Childhood Pay Off as Families See Record Increases in Resources

DENVER - On December 13, 2024, Governor Polis, and the Department of Early Childhood celebrated Colorado’s recognition as the top state in the nation for increasing resources and support for families with young children, according to a new analysis from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. The findings, presented during the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s Great Progress, Great Opportunities 51-state convening in Denver, highlight Colorado’s achievements in expanding programs and resources for infants, toddlers, and their families since 2020.

“Colorado is the best place to live, work, play and raise a family. We have taken large strides in ensuring that Colorado families are supported and prioritized, from offering Universal Pre School to 12-weeks paid family leave we continue to set the standard in the nation toward growing our economy and supporting our families who choose to Colorado home,” said Governor Polis.

The report, 5 Years of Progress on the State Policy Roadmap, reveals that a parent earning minimum wage with two children in Colorado now has $54,330 in total resources available to them in 2024—up from $32,703 in 2020. This $21,627 increase is the largest resource gain for families in the nation.

“Colorado’s success reflects the power of intentional, data-driven policies that prioritize families,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “These achievements are not just numbers—they represent real progress in ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for a lifetime of success. We are proud to lead the way in supporting families and children.”

Dr. Cynthia Osborne, executive director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center said, “Colorado has shown that investing in families and young children drives measurable, meaningful results and a commitment to comprehensive policies and innovative approaches that provides a roadmap for others to follow.”

Key Highlights from the Report

Since 2020 Colorado has:

- Implemented a 12-week paid family and medical leave program in January 2024 that protects $10,620 of wages for a worker earning the national median wage.
- Increased the state minimum wage from $12.00 to $14.42, leading to an additional $5,034 in annual earnings.
- Expanded the state’s refundable earned income tax credit from 10% to 50% of the federal credit, increasing the maximum benefit by over $1,685 to a household with one child.
- Implemented a refundable child tax credit and refundable Family Affordability Credit, providing a maximum of $4,400 in resources to a household with one child.
- Began implementing Family Connects, an evidence-based comprehensive screening and connection program, statewide.
- Increased income eligibility for child care subsidies, reduced family copayments, and increased subsidy reimbursement rates to providers.
- Began using Medicaid to reimburse community-based doulas for services up to $1,500.
- Established a new department (the Colorado Department of Early Childhood) to consolidate early childhood programs and services.
- Enacted a policy to expand Medicaid and CHIP to children and pregnant individuals who were previously ineligible due to immigration status beginning in January 2025. The state expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014.
- Maintained support for evidence-based home visiting. programs, Early Intervention services, and policies to reduce administrative burden for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

For more information about Colorado’s achievements and the 5 Years of Progress on the State Policy Roadmap report, click here.