On April 25th, Governor Jared Polis visited Clayton Early Learning to sign House Bill 1295, a historic bill creating the Department of Early Childhood and providing universal preschool. In fall 2023, every 4-year-old in Colorado will have access to 10 hours of free preschool, saving families an average of $4,300 per year, while providing young children with the early childhood experiences they need for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

Diapers and wipes are essential for families with young children, but as any parent knows, they can be expensive. That is why Clayton is grateful to partner with WeeCycle, a nonprofit organization that has been serving Colorado’s families for over a decade with diapers, baby wipes, and gently used baby gear.  

Teaching can take a toll on educators, both mentally and physically, and in the past couple of years, it's gotten even harder. EMBRACE™ is a program created at Clayton that aims to help educators manage their day-to-day stress with mindfulness techniques. Since 2017, EMBRACE™ has been helping educators improve their mindfulness, and Clayton’s Research & Evaluation department recently analyzed the overall effectiveness of the program with promising findings. 

Speak Up For Kids, now in its eleventh year, is an advocacy event that typically takes place at the state capitol in downtown Denver. With programming focused on the policies benefiting young children and families, attendees meet to discuss what is needed for Colorado’s youngest citizens and work with lawmakers to advocate for each issue.  

The award-winning Clayton Community Ambassador Program is a group of passionate parents, educators, staff, and members of the community, building the confidence and skills to become successful child and family advocates. Participants in this program develop knowledge around policy and advocacy, learn how to inform the policy process, and engage in advocacy opportunities. The group’s mission is to highlight and honor community leaders and voices in local, state, and federal policy while creating a more inclusive and accessible policy process that values the partnership of those most impacted.  

Before the holiday break, Clayton celebrated Culture Night, an annual celebration where children, families, and staff come together to share their culture through activities, performances, and experiences. Typically, this event is held on campus at our Educare school, but this year, it took place virtually in accordance with public safety guidelines.