Colorado Shines Overview: Colorado Shines is the state’s quality rating and improvement system. Colorado Shines rates Colorado’s early learning programs, connects families with quality programs, and helps programs improve their quality level. It’s free for programs, professionals and families to use. The early years are a critical period for a child’s learning and development. Quality early learning programs, like child care and preschool, prepare children for kindergarten and success in school. Quality helps children start early and start strong.   Just by participating in Colorado Shines, early learning programs are demonstrating their commitment to quality and continual improvement. Look for the Colorado Shines rating at early learning programs.  Colorado Shines gives programs the tools to consistently improve their quality. These tools include helping programs develop and implement a quality improvement plan and offering trainings and other opportunities for professional development.

Colorado Shines Overview: Ratings to date Level 2 Programs – 680 Level 3 Programs – 280 Level 4 Programs – 360 Rescoring Efforts Beginning November, 2015 Optional Points Partial Credit Points Questionnaire to Families and Staff Enhanced Evidence Document Ratings to date include alternative pathway programs, and programs who still have a current Qualistar Rating Rescoring Efforts: New System – Lessons Learned >50% coming out as L2 Launch rescoring effort – all programs (95) will be rescored Given an opportunity to re-submit documentation Optional points will be allowed in all categories to meet min – up to 2 And we have lowed the % of staff and families that have to ans affirmatively to the questions And we have enhanced the Evidence Document

Colorado Shines Website

Colorado Shines Resources Parent Brochure Flyers/Posters* Flyers/Posters* *The generic poster/flyer is shown. Please note, there posters and flyers for each level within Colorado Shines.

Colorado Shines Resources Program Guide Summary Fact Sheet

Colorado Shines Resources Colorado Shines Overview PowerPoint PDIS Summary Colorado Shines Approved Messaging PowerPoint

Call to Action Increasing the Number of Children under the Age of Five receiving high quality early care and education.