RMECC Resources
Colorado Shines
Colorado Shines is our state’s system for rating and improving the quality of licensed childcare programs. Families can use the 1–5 rating scale to compare programs and find options that support children’s health, learning, and development. It also provides information about each program to help families make informed child care choices.
Rocky Mountain Childcare Connect
Rocky Mountain Childcare Connect is a free online tool that helps families find and compare child care programs in their community, including information about openings, program details, and quality ratings. It helps families in Eagle, Garfield, Lake, and Pitkin counties search for available child care and connect with local providers.
Vroom
Vroom is a free program that gives families simple tips and activities to support children’s brain development from birth to age 5. Using everyday moments—like mealtime, bath time, or errands—Vroom helps parents turn daily routines into learning opportunities.
Universal Preschool
Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) gives Colorado families up to 15 hours per week of free preschool for children in the year before kindergarten. Some children may qualify for more hours, and families can choose from local preschool programs in schools, community centers, or home-based settings.
Early Learning & Development Guidelines
Offers practical tips and points of reference that anyone can use to help children learn.
My Lantern
My Lantern is a free program that sends families text messages with tips, activities, and resources to support their child’s development. Messages are tailored to your child’s age and connect families to local events, services, and parenting support in their community.
Community Resources
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
Supports adults and children in Eagle, Garfield, Lake and Pitkin counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our work provides life span services for these individuals, their parents and family members, guardians, colleagues at work, neighbors and friends to promote independence, quality of life, and rights protection.
Colorado 211
A free, confidential, multilingual service that refers callers to non-emergency health and human services. 2-1-1 Colorado employs trained information and referral specialists who assist individuals and families that are seeking answers regarding community services in times of need.
Referrals you can access by dialing 2-1-1:
- Rental / Utility Bills Assistance
- Suicide Intervention and Prevention
- Medical Clinics
- Rx Assistance
- Senior Services
- Youth Programs
- Support Groups
- Housing / Emergency Shelter
- Food / Clothing Banks
- Mental Health Assistance
- Dealing With and Preventing Abuse
- GED / ESL Classes
Family Support & Education
Child Care Aware
Has useful tools and resources for families on a variety of topics.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
Dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8.
Zero to Three
Information and materials to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.
Health & Well Being
The American Academy of Pediatrics
An organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Public Playground Safety
Handbook- playground safety materials and guidelines.