Triad Bright Futures

It's tax time, and for working families, this can mean money back in their pockets. Get Ahead Colorado has information for families to ensure they can benefit from valuable tax credits, including the Family Affordability Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Earned Income Tax Credit. Get Ahead CO also helps people find free, in-person tax help in their area. Please share this great resource! Families can get started by visiting https://lnkd.in/ggB-j97f or simply calling 2-1-1

The Incredible Years is a parenting group offered by our partners Jefferson Center for Mental Health, which focuses on helping parents grow even stronger bonds with their child. Please share this information with the families you work with - the class starts this week and runs through may. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3Ql6Y2f

Please share with families! Tomorrow is the first deadline for UPK first-round matching, and submitting an application by Feb. 5 gives families the best chance to getting their preferred preschool provider. The second round match deadline is March 5. Families apply here: https://upk.colorado.gov/

Many Colorado families choose a license-exempt provider for their child's care like a family member, friend, neighbor or nanny, and that number is likely to increase with the CCCAP program freeze in Jeffco and other counties. License-exempt care can absolutely be be safe and high-quality, but it's up to families to assess that for themselves. License-exempt providers are not monitored the same way licensed programs are -- but license-exempt providers are still required to follow rules designed to keep kids safe. Learn more in this video from Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

More than half of Colorado families rely on trusted family, friends, or neighbors as license-exempt child care providers. While these providers aren’t monitored by the state like licensed programs, they can still offer safe, high-quality care. Families should assess for themselves the safety and quality of their child care options, and on the Triad Bright Futures website we have resources to help families ensure their little one is in great hands.

Looking for a meaningful new role? ?? Triad Bright Futures is hiring a part-time Mountain Communities Coordinator to support families and expand access to early childhood programs in Clear Creek County, Gilpin County , and Western Jefferson County, Colorado. Help promote Universal Preschool (UPK), strengthen community partnerships, and make a lasting impact! Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gtrwGh8C

As a parent, it's not always easy to know what your child needs or what their behaviors mean. Sometimes we wonder if we're doing the right thing. This 8-week class designed to help parents build stronger, more connected relationships with their children and give you tools to understand your child and make sense of their behaviors. Plus you will connect with other parents on a similar journey! Visit www.jcmh.org to register today or call 303-425-0300 or reach out to [email protected]. From our partners Jefferson Center for Mental Health

?? Please share! ?? Help for families to complete the Universal Preschool application between 9am and 12pm on these dates at Jefferson County Public Library branches: Jan 11: Edgewater Library Jan 13: Golden Library Jan 14: Wheat Ridge Library (*10am-12pm) Jan 17: Columbine Library Jan 18: Lakewood Library Jan 22: Evergreen Library (*10am – 12pm) Jan 29: Belmar Library Feb 1: Conifer Library Feb 5: Standley Lake Library

As 2024 ends, Triad Bright Futures is reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together as a community. This year our collaboration made meaningful steps toward building an aligned, responsive early childhood system as we worked together to expand access to quality, affordable child care, family support programs, and mental health consultation. From the Triad Bright Futures Team, Jennifer A., Ana Cecilia Carballo, and Lisa Duran, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful new year. Here’s to continuing our work together in 2025!

An important presentation from Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition next Tuesday - please share!