Colorado Early Learning Corps
Colorado Early Learning Corps was formerly included as part of Colorado Reading Corps and was designated as a separate program in 2022. This program increases Kindergarten readiness in early learners by providing support in in early literacy and numeracy. AmeriCorps members implement early learning strategies with full classrooms as well as small groups.
80 percent of a child’s brain development happens before age 5. If a student is not prepared to learn alongside classmates at the start of Kindergarten, they may struggle to catch up.
2023-2024 Impact
- 312 PreK students were served at 9 school sites.
- 66% of students met or exceeded their target growth rate in early literacy and math, indicating that they are on track to enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Why This Work Matters
- Many Colorado children missed at least one year of preschool during pandemic school disruptions, and preschool enrollment declined significantly in Colorado.
- Many students may now attend only one year of preschool instead of two, and many are in need of individualized supports to be kindergarten ready.
- With universal preschool support being implemented in Colorado, many schools are seeking preschool support.
How AmeriCorps Members Help
- Tutors support an entire classroom in partnership with the classroom teacher. Tutors also interact with students one-on-one and in small groups.
- Tutors encourage early learners to talk, read, write, sing, and play in order to develop early literacy and math skills.
- Tutors strengthen learners’ social-emotional skills through relationship-building and year-long support.
Interested in becoming an Early Learning Corps Member?
For more information email: CassieD@youthforachange.org
Colorado Youth for a Change will not discriminate for or against any service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Reasonable accommodation provided upon request.
Colorado Early Learning Corps is sponsored in part in Weld County through the generous support of United Way of Weld County and their donors.