Mahatma Gandhi wrote, "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny." At Clayton Early Learning, we believe this also works in reverse – our values help to create habits and drive the actions, words, and thoughts that allow our belief in the unlimited potential of young children to become a reality.

Being clear on how we seek to approach our work, considering what values we want to exemplify and hold ourselves mutually accountable to, helps us work together more effectively, create a stronger culture, and advance our important mission.

We spent time as a community last fall reviewing and revising our Core Values to make sure they were clear and current. As such, we redefined our values that could guide us today and into the future we are working to build. We are pleased to share our new Core Values and what they mean for us as we work to serve our children, families, and educator

Our school, Educare Denver, is part of a network of 25 early education schools across the nation that continually aims to better the lives of our children and families by researching best practices and outcomes in early education. Since 2008, the Educare Learning Network (ELN) study has evaluated the progress of children and families enrolled in Educare Denver and uses that data to provide practical suggestions for improving the program. Clayton’s Research & Evaluation team has been an integral part of this study, working with our Educational Services team to collect and analyze information from our local Educare and provide that data to the national study. The study includes four primary areas of data collection that together help enhance the quality of services provided to our Educare students and families: children, families, staff, and classrooms. The information collected in each area is detailed below.

When it comes to nurturing children and families, Clayton goes beyond the learning, love and support that takes place in the classroom. We are committed to helping families thrive, which also means providing healthy foods and encouraging healthy habits.

In October 2021, Clayton opened the Clayton Cares Market for the families we serve, and for Clayton staff in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market provided vital relief to families facing illness, job loss and significant financial and emotional stress. And, while COVID-19 may now be more manageable, given inflation, food insecurity remains a top challenge for Clayton families and the greater Denver community.