Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties plan open selection process to confirm regional Early Childhood Council

Jefferson County commissioners, joined by Clear Creek and Gilpin county partners, agreed to pursue an open, joint selection process to determine which organization will serve as the three-county Early Childhood Council (ECC).

Commissioner Zenzinger and county staff explained that Triad Early Childhood Council has served as the ECC since a 1997 county selection process and that Triad Bright Futures (a separate entity) now holds a Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) contract with the state. Because the statutory role of the ECC is vested to counties and the local landscape has changed (new Department of Early Childhood and an LCO structure), the three counties want to reassess the ECC selection.

The counties plan to publish an announcement of interest, invite letters of interest, and convene a selection committee composed of one commissioner representative from each county and one department-of-human-services representative from each county. Staff proposed a timeline: agree selection process Sept. 15–Oct. 15, a 30-day window for letters of interest, selection committee recommendation Nov. 15–Dec. 1, and a joint letter to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood by Dec. 31 if counties choose a different ECC. Staff said a full RFP is not required because no local funds are being procured, but the counties will follow an open and fair selection method.

Commissioners signaled support for the process; county staff agreed to lead coordination and to finalize announcement language and scope-of-work guidance to potential applicants.