Westminster Public Schools Approved to Serve as Local Coordinating Organization for Adams County

Adams County, in partnership with Westminster Public Schools, is proud to announce Westminster Public Schools has been approved to act as a Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Adams County and provide universal pre-K and support in the early childhood development sector. The new Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) approved the application earlier this week. 

“Governor Polis and his team’s leadership made this opportunity available to all Coloradans, and we’re ready to capitalize on that opportunity,” said Glenn Robinson, Deputy Director of the Adams County Human Services Department. “We are most proud of the relationships we’ve strengthened to make meaningful programs and supports available to children and families. Dedicated funding and innovation geared toward improving educational outcomes for Adams County children is not only exciting and necessary, it’s truly life changing.”

The Adams County Board of Commissioners; local school districts—including Westminster Public Schools, Adams 14, Adams 12, Mapleton Public Schools, and Brighton 27J; and the Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County (ECPAC) all prioritize expanding early childhood education access and services to every corner, neighborhood, and resident of the county. 

This step toward positive outcomes for Adams County youth will include:
•    Early learning and Kindergarten readiness
•    Healthcare services and family well-being
•    Supplemental supports (e.g. Child Care Assistance Program)
•    Workforce reskilling and upskilling for parents with child support orders

“We are excited by the opportunities that come from the LCO model,” said Mat Aubuchon, Executive Director of Learning Services at Westminster Public Schools. “This model allows for greater collaboration across Adams County and development of a system allowing equitable access to families seeking early childhood services. As a long-time leader in early childhood education, we believe the LCO collaborative model will pay dividends for families and young children.”

“As one of the 34 early childhood councils serving Colorado, the Adams County LCO partnership will strengthen our local collaborative efforts to increase access to affordable and high-quality early childhood and family services,” said Lisa Jansen Thompson, ECPAC’s Executive Director. “We look forward to a stronger and more intentional commitment to both young children and families and to those who provide critical services and supports for improved outcomes for our youngest residents.”

LCOs are community agencies or organizations responsible for supporting local access and equitable delivery of early childhood and family support programs. These organizations foster partnerships, create alignment, and establish a comprehensive, locally supported plan for providing these programs equitably. 

Any government or non-profit entity involved with their community’s early childhood system can apply to serve as an LCO. This includes, but is not limited to, county or municipal government agencies, school districts, early childhood councils, family resource centers, special taxing districts, Head Start grantees, and more.