Your PD Update has a NEW streamlined format to give you top news front and center and direct you to our website pages loaded with resources when you need more information!

PD CATALOG + CALENDAR

Joint Initiatives offers a user-friendly PD Catalog that is your one-stop resource for connecting with professional development opportunities! It also features pages that explains JI team supports for YOU, how to connect, AND amazing programs to advance your career as an early childhood educator.

You can also find the catalog on the PD Calendar page. See training topics below.

• QUARTERLY PRE-LICENSING
• EDUCATING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
• BEYOND THE ACES SCORE | PARTS 1 + 2
• COS PARENTING CLASS

NEW TRAINING!

Coming in May, Joint Initiatives is providing a NEW 8-session training for parents and early childhood caregivers. Key topics include understanding a child’s emotional world; supporting a child’s ability to manage emotions; enhancing the development of a child's self esteem; and honoring your innate wisdom and desire for your children to be secure. Check out the flyer to register and share with your families!

🔗 COS Parenting Class Flyer

CDA+ OPPORTUNITY

The CDA+, created by Pikes Peak State College (PPSC), is a ten-session program (80 hours) that allows you to earn seven PLA college credits. If you have a current CDA, check out this NO-COST program that includes $800 in funding for YOU. Successful completion will eliminate the need for CDA renewal! Check out the flyer for full details and the link to apply.

🔗 CDA+ FLYER

Effective August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Recognition is updating the pricing for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™.

🔗 Learn more HERE.

EARN UP TO $2800! APPLY FOR ADVANCING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS PROGRAM!

Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families (JI) is excited to partner with Pikes Peak State College to offer a new program that includes $800 in funding for YOU, plus additional monetary incentives for completion of credits, CEUs, and PDIS levels; personalized career navigation; and coaching to work in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Check out the informational flyer HERE to LEARN MORE + APPLY!

Visit the Early Childhood Workforce page of the JI website below for information on Professional Development, Colorado Shines, PDIS, CDA, Safety + Emergency, CPR/First Aid/AED, Scholarships, Family Child Care Resources, and MORE!

Visit the Quality Programs page for Grants, Colorado Shines ratings, PDIS, ITERS/ECERS/FCCERS, Alternative Pathways, Coaching, Reflective Supervision, and MORE!

Visit the Opening a Child Care page for more on the opportunity to launch your own business as a Family Child Care Teacher or to open an Early Care and Education center!

Be sure to check out all of the pages under the Foundations menu too!

ASK THE NAVIGATORS

Weekly office hours through JUNE 2025 are 1:30-2:30 pm via Microsoft Teams! Download the flyer HERE for a link/QR code to join the meeting.

• Access available program benefits and consultative supports 
• Technical assistance in completing applications for grants
• Updates on government changes that impact your business

Contact a Navigator Today!

Renee Sasse | 719.381.4806

Aldria Mann | 719.381.4813

JI will highlight Colorado Department of Early Childhood updates relating to Professional Development in this section.

For more information, read the latest CDEC newsletter HERE.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is excited to share two new Business Guides. Each guide focuses on relevant information on the operational functions of a small business for providers depending on the type of setting they use to provide early care. The Business Guides include information on:

• Business Guide for Family Child Care Homes (Guía en español) 
• Business Guide for Child Care Centers (Guía en español) 

Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families is the Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Universal Preschool (UPK) in El Paso County. Learn more here and/or sign up for JI's UPK Newsletter HERE.