<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Clayton Draft]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clayton Early Learning]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 19:46:33 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA["I LOVE TO READ" MONTH]]></title><description><![CDATA[At Clayton Early Learning, we love to read all year long, but February is officially "I Love to Read" Month! We kicked off the month with some very special guest readers - board members, staff, and leaders from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and Early Milestones Colorado joined us to read Llama, Llama Red Pajama  in each of our 16 classrooms. Children and staff were encouraged to wear pajamas to school to match the book theme for the day. We appreciate how much much joy our guest...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/i-love-to-read-month</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f708dd68e5ff18efd6dd5</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:59:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_4b0da49b73a446ba9626b0e676ea4be1~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_720,h_502,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ELEVATING CHILDCARE SOLUTIONS FOR COLORADO'S FAMILIES AND WORKFORCE]]></title><description><![CDATA[We were honored to welcome U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and a distinguished group of early childhood leaders to our campus recently for a roundtable discussion focused on the state of childcare in Colorado. The conversation brought together policymakers and practitioners to examine both the challenges facing the childcare sector and the opportunities to strengthen access, affordability, and quality for families across the state. Participants emphasized that childcare is more than a family...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/elevating-childcare-solutions-for-colorado-s-families-and-workforce</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f705791604ab56c35a9c1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:58:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_983ddf4f307a4c51b55fa0a3758f6b6a~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_648,h_444,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NEW YEAR'S NEWS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Recently, thanks to  Ibotta , we were invited to take the opening free throw shot at the Denver Nuggets game. One of our parents, Patrick, made the attempt, and, while it was an exciting highlight for our year, the notion of ensuring our families have a real “shot” at a better life immediately came to my mind. I always say Clayton is in the hopes and dreams business. We constantly challenge ourselves to give kids the best shot at achieving their hopes and dreams by providing an exceptional...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/new-year-s-news</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6fcc91604ab56c35a8c7</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:56:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_6ff2bbc45afa4c7aa41be8d01191f892~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A SHOT AT HOPE: IBOTTA &#38; KROENKE SPORTS CHARITIES SUPPORT CLAYTON FAMILIES]]></title><description><![CDATA[Recently, Clayton parent Patrick Montgomery represented our community in the Ibotta Shot for Change at the Denver Nuggets home game! This exciting opportunity was more than just a fun moment on the court—it was a meaningful way to make a real difference for Clayton families. Ibotta generously donated $2,500 to help empower young children and families in our community, offering vital resources and opportunities for growth. Patrick’s shot symbolized so much more than a basketball free throw; it...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/a-shot-at-hope-ibotta-kroenke-sports-charities-support-clayton-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6f8491604ab56c35a835</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:54:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_2a14fcbb839e44eb93aa794b3cac9dd9~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A TASTE OF HOPE: CLAYTON AND PARTNERS DELIVER THOUSANDS OF EMPANADAS TO LOCAL FAMILIES]]></title><description><![CDATA[This season, the warmth of community is felt not just in words, but in the aroma of 6,000 freshly baked empanadas filling the halls of Clayton Early Learning. Thanks to the generosity of Lorena Cantarovici and  Maria Empanada , thousands of families across Metro Denver, many still recovering from the recent federal government shutdown and the resulting strain on food benefits, received a meaningful reminder that neighbors look out for one another.  To help meet the moment, Clayton Early...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/a-taste-of-hope-clayton-and-partners-deliver-thousands-of-empanadas-to-local-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6f13c315cca7cad1750e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:52:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_87945e6d096f4c9fb005401eb275f940~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_800,h_561,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ELECTION DAY AT CLAYTON: SMALL VOTERS, BIG VOICES]]></title><description><![CDATA[These voters may be small, but their voices are big!  On Election Day, when many were focused on disagreements, Clayton preschoolers reminded us what respectful civic engagement can and should be. They studied the issues (well, they tasted them), and then cast their votes for new breakfast items to be added to our menu rotation. This story on Next on 9News  beautifully captures this heartwarming activity, which celebrated the spirit of democracy, serving as a reminder of the purest reason we...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/election-day-at-clayton-small-voters-big-voices</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6ea7c315cca7cad1745b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:50:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_bab2555370a74ecabb1330d26f456889~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[THE CLAYTON AUTUMN UPDATE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Friends, With Thanksgiving only weeks away, we wanted to share our gratitude for all the tremendous support and provide an update on our work and progress. As I begin my fourth year at Clayton, the first days of school still inspire me. It’s magical to see families trust our staff with their children, and it’s inspiring to see how our amazing staff engages and supports our families and their children. It’s truly a community and one I am humbled to serve. At Clayton, we are committed to giving...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/the-clayton-autumn-update</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6db591604ab56c35a4fc</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:47:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_6ff2bbc45afa4c7aa41be8d01191f892~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[GALA CELEBRATES IMPACT OF INSTILLING HOPES AND DREAMS IN KIDS]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s one thing to talk about hopes and dreams, and quite another to make them come true.   At Clayton Early Learning, the emphasis is on the latter.  As William Browning, Clayton’s president and chief executive officer, said on Oct. 23 when 400 friends of the Denver-based nonprofit gathered at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale for the Futures Grow Here Gala: “We are in the hopes and dreams business. And we know that hopes and dreams begin with every child having an exceptional start in...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/gala-celebrates-impact-of-instilling-hopes-and-dreams-in-kids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6d2dbf1bf6f6a2a7cf54</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:45:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_06cb561f344e4ad881a66be372d1322b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clayton Early Learning was excited to host our annual Back to School Night for our Educare Denver school as well as our home-based Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Family members joined us to learn more about our programs and policies, visit their children's classrooms, and meet the teachers and child family educators who will be working with them and their children this year. We love the energy and optimism that every new school year brings! We are grateful to the families who trust...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/back-to-school-night</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6ce5bf1bf6f6a2a7cef1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:43:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_d47411d37a7744f591872de60076cc2e~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_768,h_550,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CLAYTON HONORS TEACHERS AND STAFFIN ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of our annual kick-off day for the new school year, Clayton Early Learning honored ten fantastic team members as part of our inaugural annual awards ceremony. Seven classroom teachers, including one teaching team, were recognized with the Growing Futures Awards for excellence in teaching and student outcomes. Two Clayton team members who work outside of the classroom were recognized as Core Values Champions for cultivating a culture of excellence by exemplifying Clayton's core values...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/clayton-honors-teachers-and-staffin-annual-awards-ceremony</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6c7f91604ab56c35a300</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:42:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_afc0e8757744404a9bc29bb163b9aa8a~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_800,h_558,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[THE CLAYTON SUMMER UPDATE]]></title><description><![CDATA[As we near the mid-point for summer, we continue to dream about the future Clayton and this continues with new and exciting investments, including two new sensory play areas which were recently featured on  9News . Watching children explore these spaces is a beautiful remedy to the stress we feel during these uncertain times. These new outdoor exploration areas are a product of our generous partnership with  PNC Bank  – a partner who continues to make dreams come true for us.   Making dreams...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/the-clayton-summer-update</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6bdad68e5ff18efd6555</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:40:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_e3598756e85d4d379446468db858d1d9~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CLAYTON RECEIVES $1M FROM CITY OF DENVER'S HEALTHY FOOD FOR DENVER'SKIDS PROGRAM]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clayton was thrilled to receive another grant from the City of Denver's Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids initiative, designed to address the food gap across Denver and improve food access for low-income and at-risk youth Clayton's participation was featured in a Denver7 article and feature on the new round of grants ( Denver expands hunger relief with $11 million in grants ): "One of the largest recipients this year is  Clayton Early Learning , which received $1 million to support its efforts,...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/clayton-receives-1m-from-city-of-denver-s-healthy-food-for-denver-skids-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6b6d91604ab56c35a102</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:37:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_77805a3a0c4a4e33b6ca1e50820c8949~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_584,h_416,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CLAYTON FAMILIES ENJOY A NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK, THANKS TO PNC BANK AND THE COLORADO ROCKIES]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nothing says summer like a night at the ballpark, and thanks to the generosity of our friends at PNC Bank and the Colorado Rockies, Clayton children and their families got to experience just that! On a beautiful summer evening at Coors Field, our families came together to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. For many, this was a rare chance to experience a professional sporting event in one of Denver’s most iconic venues, reflecting the power of community and the importance of creating joyful,...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/clayton-families-enjoy-a-night-at-the-ballpark-thanks-to-pnc-bank-and-the-colorado-rockies</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6b17dcfe76b0f2d355ce</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:35:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_bfdd837bc85347c4ac30c095996dcf84~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_768,h_552,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CLAYTON EARLY LEARNING UNVEILS NATURE-BASED PLAYGROUNDS WITH SUPPORT FROM PNC GROW UP GREAT®]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clayton Early Learning has opened two new outdoor sensory play areas designed to support healthy brain development, emotional growth, and joyful learning for young children. Funded by a generous grant from PNC Grow Up Great® , these nature-rich playgrounds offer safe, age-appropriate spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore, imagine, and grow. The new environments feature tactile elements, gentle slopes, and interactive components that encourage sensory exploration and...]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/clayton-early-learning-unveils-nature-based-playgrounds-with-support-from-pnc-grow-up-great</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f6a9f91604ab56c359f80</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:34:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_79331d301c3e4ba08a7af6dc28526b94~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[BOARD CHAIR CINDY SCHULTZ HONORED FOR HER SERVICE]]></title><description><![CDATA[After more than a decade of service and dedication to Clayton, including two terms as our board chair, Cindy Schulz was honored with a room named after her in our Educare school. Read all about the surprise celebration here .]]></description><link>https://www.claytonearlylearning.org/post/board-chair-cindy-schultz-honored-for-her-service</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f69fdbf1bf6f6a2a7c9d8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:31:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fdee2d_ae2e71069ad84f0b80a06a39183d59fe~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_600,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>vmartinez44</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>