Update from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood on the Early Intervention Budget and Service Provision as of 3/20/25

This notice was sent to the Early Intervention (EI) community on the evening of 3/20/25

Dear Early Intervention Families, Providers, and Partners,

Thanks to the invaluable input of key early intervention partners and the decisive action of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), early intervention services will continue without disruption for families and providers. On March 19, 2025, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) recommended funding for fiscal year 2025-2026, which begins July 1, 2025. 

The CDEC will work with the JBC to plan for the sustainability of the EI program for future years. Currently, an annual Request for Information (RFI) is required to be submitted to the JBC on January 1 each year. This RFI describes: 

1. The total number of early intervention services performed compared to the projected amount of early intervention services.
2. The amount of funds expended in the fiscal year from July 1 through the time period when the report is created, and compared to the projected spending for the same time period.
3. The amount of any estimated gaps between the appropriation in the long bill and actual expenditures. 

Since January 1 would be late in the fiscal year to proactively address the financial needs of the program, the RFI timeline will change to twice per year, on September 1 and March 1.

An additional RFI, developed in collaboration with EI brokers, providers, families, and other key EI partners, will be presented to the JBC on or before June 15. Finally, another RFI will be provided to the JBC on or before December 15. These RFIs will provide updates on agreed-upon sustainability measures to ensure the financial sustainability of a thriving EI program. CDEC staff, families, and community partners will work together to determine what strategies should be implemented and the timeline for implementation. To learn more about the RFIs and the JBC’s recommendations, click here to view the full Memorandum.

Your input is essential as we continue working with families and community partners to explore potential strategies for sustaining the program moving forward. 

The following regular work sessions have been scheduled, and everyone is welcome to attend any session. Once finalized, CDEC will email the topics for each work session.

Upcoming Family Sessions via meet.google.com/cog-qjxe-bjx

• Monday, March 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m. –  6:00 p.m. (Listening session Spanish Only)
• Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Work Sessions via meet.google.com/qpg-fhwh-uzr

• Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 
• Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
• Monday, April 21, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 16, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 30, 2025, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 20, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, June 30, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meeting information can also be found on the Early Intervention Colorado Calendar of Events.

Thank you for being part of the Early Intervention community; this important work could not be done without you. 

Questions? Please reach out to us anytime at Lenita.Hartman@state.co.us or call EI Colorado at 1-888-777-4041.