Colorado Ranks No. 1 in Nation for Child Care Workforce Supports

Colorado and Illinois tie for top spot in new national child care workforce scorecard

DENVER - Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) are thrilled to announce that Colorado is leading the nation in child care workforce supports, tying with Illinois for the top spot in a new 50-state scorecard from the Child Care Trust. Both states scored 26 out of a possible 28 points, well above the national average of 18.

"Colorado's education workforce is strong, and it's a big reason we are ranked No. 1 in Education. By expanding access to early childhood education, we are giving kids a strong start which is good for kids, families, and Colorado's future. I am proud of the work we've done to provide Universal Preschool and free full day Kindergarten to more young Coloradans, which saves families money and supports our future generations. Colorado is strengthening pathways into early childhood education careers and ensuring educators have the resources to succeed every step of the way," said Governor Polis.

The scorecard examines state child care workforce systems across 10 key areas identified as critical to building a competent and stable child care workforce. The review considers state laws, regulations, workforce initiatives, professional development systems, career pathways, workforce data, and other publicly available information. States were also able to earn bonus points for innovative workforce strategies. The national recognition reflects Colorado's continued work to strengthen the early childhood workforce and build a system that supports early childhood professionals at every stage of their careers.

"Colorado's early childhood professionals are the foundation of our early childhood system, and this recognition reflects the meaningful work happening across our state to strengthen and support this workforce," said CDEC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Roy. "We know that when we invest in early childhood professionals, we invest in Colorado's children, families, and economy. There is still more work to do, but Colorado is demonstrating what is possible when we build stronger pathways into the profession and provide meaningful support for the people who care for and educate our youngest Coloradans."

Building a Stronger Early Childhood Workforce

The report emphasized that lasting improvements require treating child care as a profession, with clear standards, opportunities for professional development and advancement, accessible education and credentialing pathways, strong workforce data systems and compensation that supports a stable workforce. Colorado has made significant progress in several of these areas.

The Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) supports the professional growth of Colorado's early childhood workforce by recognizing education, experience, and ongoing professional development. Managed through the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS), the credential is an optional professional recognition system designed to strengthen workforce quality, support consistent standards across early childhood settings, and help ensure children have access to high-quality care and learning opportunities statewide.

More than 31,000 early childhood professionals now hold an active ECPC, representing 72% of Colorado's active early childhood workforce as of May 2026. Participation in the ECPC has grown steadily since 2023:

• 2026: 31,030 active credential holders
• 2025: 29,684 active credential holders
• 2024: 19,325 active credential holders
• 2023: 16,321 active credential holders

Colorado is also supporting the workforce through financial investments, including the Care Worker Tax Credit. For Tax Year 2025, 19,498 care workers took advantage of the tax credit, including 17,608 early educators working in licensed child care settings and 1,890 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who completed the required attestation through the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System.

Together, participating care workers are estimated to have received up to $23.4 million in tax credits. The Care Worker Tax Credit provides up to $1,200 to income-eligible care workers who meet participation requirements, including licensed child care professionals, FFN providers, and direct care workers serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.

"Colorado's No. 1 ranking is an exciting reflection of the progress we've made together," said Dr. Rebecca Vlasin, Director of CDEC's Division of Early Childhood Workforce. "We will continue building on this momentum by strengthening professional pathways, expanding opportunities for early childhood professionals, and supporting the workforce that makes high-quality care and learning possible for Colorado's children and families."

Colorado's recognition as a national leader underscores the impact of sustained investments in the early childhood workforce and the professionals who serve children every day. The State will continue working with early childhood professionals, providers and partners across the state to strengthen the profession, support a stable workforce and ensure families have access to high-quality care and learning opportunities in every community.

Colorado was recently ranked as the top state in education by U.S. News & World Report, rising from the No. 3 spot in 2025 to the No. 1 spot in 2026. Colorado's success is thanks to efforts to start earlier by providing early childhood education like universal preschool and free full day kindergarten, expand Colorado's leadership in public-school choice, make historic investments in K-12 education, focus on fundamentals and measurable outcomes, provide learning opportunities after 3 p.m. and through the summer, and strengthen Colorado's workforce and training pathways.

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