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MEDIA CENTER
Clayton Early Learning is a nonprofit organization that uses a multi-generational, place-based approach to give all children an exceptional start while empowering families toward life-long success.
Our team members are available to provide subject matter expertise on a variety of topics connected to early childhood including education and development, health and nutrition, mental health, equity, child poverty, and more.
Journalists are invited to reach out to our communications team:
Susan Hagar
Senior Advisor, Marketing and Communications
720.935.1777
shagar@claytonearlylearning.org
CLAYTON IN THE NEWS
2026
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In Colorado’s growing childcare crisis, Clayton parent and recent police academy graduate, Chmura Smith, describes how unpredictable, on-call schedules make reliable care imperative, underscoring Clayton’s commitment to support working families.
In this examination of Colorado’s child care crisis, Clayton Early Learning president and CEO William Browning warned that the state lacks a “functional, robust system” for families, arguing that meaningful investment in early childhood education is essential not only for working parents and providers, but for Colorado’s long-term economic strength and national security.
At a Denver nonprofit leadership event co-hosted by Clayton Early Learning and PNC Bank, Clayton president and CEO William Browning emphasized that “real progress happens when the whole ensemble is engaged,” highlighting the organization’s collaborative approach to strengthening leadership connections across Colorado’s nonprofit community.
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Clayton Early Learning is closely watching the uncertainty around the cuts and remains focused on supporting families, underscoring Clayton’s ongoing role as a trusted advocate for Colorado children and early education providers during a period of statewide concern.
2025
At Clayton’s breakfast election, president and CEO William Browning said, “They may be young, but instilling those values with children is essential for the work we do,” emphasizing Clayton’s commitment to helping children learn civility, compromise, and how to use their voices through hands-on early learning experiences that build future community leaders.
At Clayton Early Learning’s Futures Grow Here Gala, president and CEO William Browning told supporters, “We are in the hopes and dreams business,” highlighting Clayton’s mission to create a “vibrant, holistic ecosystem” that supports children, families, and the broader Denver community through innovative early childhood education and family services.
In this report about Denver’s expanded hunger relief funding, Clayton Early Learning senior manager of food and nutrition initiatives Nichelle Ortiz emphasized that access to healthy food early in life can shape children’s long-term eating habits, underscoring how The Clayton Cares Market works to strengthen family food security and support healthier developmental outcomes.
Celebrating our very own 7Everyday Hero, volunteer Abby Humphrey’s work at the Clayton Cares Market, president and CEO William Browning said, “We really work with families to ensure they get the supports they need, including services like the Clayton Cares Market,” highlighting how the organization pairs hands-on volunteerism with dignified food access for families facing food insecurity.
In this Next report about Clayton’s new nature-based sensory playgrounds, director of Comprehensive Services, Jenny Smith, highlights how a partnership with the PNC Foundation helped bring two sensory-rich, nature-inspired play areas to life for children and families at Clayton Early Learning.
Clayton Early Learning president and CEO William Browning praised longtime board leader Cindy Schulz as “a real force for Clayton,” highlighting how Clayton honors transformational leadership through meaningful, lasting recognition that reflects its deep commitment to children, families, and community impact.
President and CEO William Browning and chief impact officer Paula Smith, weigh in on potential Head Start funding cuts, emphasizing the impacts on families, and the economy, underscoring how Clayton Early Learning integrates wraparound supports for children and families across home and school environments.
As Colorado families lose access to child care assistance amid a statewide enrollment freeze, Clayton’s chief impact officer, Paula Smith, warned that without affordable, reliable care, parents are pushed out of the workforce and the state’s long-term economic stability is put at risk.
In this 9News spotlight on the Clayton Cares Market, senior manager of food and nutrition, Nichelle Ortiz, explained how giving Denver families free access to healthy food and household essentials in a dignified, choice-based setting helps reduce stress and supports children’s long-term well-being
2024
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2022
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2021
