What Colorado Residents and Organizations Can Do to Support SB25-017: Measures to Support Early Childhood Health
- coloradoabcd
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
January 2025 - Colorado’s lawmakers are considering a new bill that will support young children and their families. Here’s how you can help.
Colorado nonprofit Assuring Better Child Health & Development (ABCD), in partnership with Healthier Colorado and Healthy Child Care Colorado (HCCC) is excited to share that SB25-017: Measures to Support Early Childhood Health was introduced on the opening day of Colorado’s 2025 Legislative Session! This impactful bill strengthens early childhood health systems by codifying and enhancing two vital community-based programs that support young children and their caregivers: HealthySteps and Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs).
Strengthening Nationally-Recognized, Evidence-Based Early Childhood Programs
SB25-017 brings Colorado in line with national best practices in early childhood health and wellbeing. HealthySteps is a program of ZERO TO THREE that promotes the healthy development, well-being, and school readiness of infants and toddlers. This national, evidence-based, interdisciplinary program is delivered to families in a place where they already are: primary care clinics. It is a two generational (2 Gen) program that supports both children and caregivers. There are 32 HealthySteps sites across Colorado serving 38,821 children—71% of whom rely on Medicaid and 53% of whom are Hispanic or Latino.
HealthySteps saves Colorado money, while making children healthier and families stronger. For every $1 invested in HealthySteps, an estimated $2.83 is realized across state agencies over the longer term (cost savings model developed by Manatt Health).
The bill also codifies and enhances Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs). CCHCs consult with early childhood programs to ensure children’s health and safety, support providers, and improve the quality of care children receive. CCHCs promote the inclusion of all children, especially children with special health needs that require accommodations or support – approximately 1 out of every 5 children in Colorado.
Codifying CCHCs and HealthySteps as state programs within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood will bolster Colorado’s comprehensive early childhood system.
How You Can Help
We all have a role to play in the healthy development of Colorado’s children. One concrete thing you can do today to support Colorado children and families is to show your support for SB25-017: Measures to Support Early Childhood Health. Here’s how:
For organizations: Sign on in support of SB25-017 by completing this Google Form.
For individuals: Email or call your representatives and express your support of the bill. Find your representatives here.
Here is a script you can use for a phone call or an email:
Hello, my name is <YOUR NAME> and I am a constituent of <YOUR REPRESENTATIVE’S NAME> from <YOUR CITY> and I am calling to request that <YOUR REPRESENTATIVE’S NAME> support SB25-017: Measures to Support Early Childhood Health, which was introduced into Colorado legislation on January 8th.
Children are the future of Colorado and it is important that we, as a state, support children and give them a fair chance at healthy development for a bright life. SB25-017 strengthens early childhood health systems by codifying and enhancing two vital community-based programs that support young children and their caregivers.
Please vote in support of SB25-017 to ensure children in our community and their families have necessary supports for healthy development.
Thank you,
<YOUR NAME>
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