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ColoradoHB26-11522026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Department of Early Childhood Supplemental

Sponsored By: Emily Sirota (Democratic), Jeff Bridges (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Revenue & Budget

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More funding for early childhood

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the state provides $802.9 million to the Department of Early Childhood. This includes $318.6 million from the General Fund and $188.6 million in federal funds. The money pays for preschool, child care help, home visiting, early intervention, and oversight. Families can get services funded by this budget through state and local partners.

More funding for early intervention

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, Early Intervention services get $99.9 million. That includes $77.0 million from the General Fund, with other cash, reappropriated, and federal funds. The money pays for developmental evaluations and therapies for babies and toddlers with delays or disabilities.

More help paying for child care

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the Child Care Assistance Program gets $185.7 million. This includes $37.1 million from the General Fund, $20.3 million from local funds, and $128.2 million from federal Child Care Development Funds plus $100,000 from the Title XX block grant. Eligible low-income families can get subsidies that lower monthly child care bills.

More home visiting help for parents

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, home visiting services get $29.8 million. The state also funds a Universal Home Visiting Pilot with $2.5 million and one full‑time position. Parents may receive nurse visits and parenting support at home. The pilot is small, so only a limited number of families are served.

More support for universal preschool

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the Universal Preschool Program gets $349.1 million. That includes $146.3 million from the General Fund and $202.8 million from the Preschool Programs Cash Fund. The money supports provider payments and more enrollment so more children can attend preschool.

Child care help during treatment

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the state funds a $500,000 pilot that links child care with substance use disorder treatment. Parents in treatment may get help with child care while they receive care.

Safer child care and better systems

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the state provides $16.5 million for licensing, background checks, and oversight of child care. It also invests $31.7 million in IT systems that handle enrollment and tracking. Starting July 1, 2025, the department may move up to 5% among its indirect cost line items. These steps help keep providers safe and make it easier to apply for services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

  • Junie Joseph

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Lorena Garcia

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Froelich

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Regina English

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Lieder

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

  • Scott Bright

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    3/12/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    3/11/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    3/11/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    3/11/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/20/2026Senate

  6. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    2/19/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

    2/18/2026Senate

  8. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/12/2026House

  10. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    2/11/2026House

  11. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

    2/10/2026House

  12. Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

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