DENVER (Aug. 5, 2020) - Gov. Jared Polis has appointed three new commissioners to the Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC), Colorado's statewide early childhood advisory council:
- Allegra "Happy" Haynes (Denver) - executive director, Denver Parks and Recreation, City and County of Denver
- Rebecca Kantor (Boulder) - dean of the School of Education & Human Development, University of Colorado Denver
- Adeeb Khan (Denver) - vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility, Delta Dental of Colorado, and executive director of the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation
In addition, Pamela Harris, president and CEO of Mile High Early Learning, was appointed as co-chair of the ECLC. Harris will serve alongside Tom Massey, deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and Susan Steele, president and CEO of the Buell Foundation.
"High-quality early childhood education is key to a child's success, and is the most effective way to eliminate racial and economic disparities in achievement. I am thrilled to appoint these outstanding leaders to join the Early Childhood Leadership Commission," said Polis. "Now more than ever, it is critical that we work together across public and private organizations to develop policies that increase access, quality and equity of services and support for all families. We will continue working to ensure that all children have a strong start in life."
"As Colorado's state advisory council, the Commission has led the advancement of early childhood priorities in the state for many years," said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. "I look forward to continuing to work with the council to promote strategies that have positive impacts on the lives of children and families."
The ECLC supports early childhood efforts through its role as a statewide leader, subject matter expert and champion of best and promising practices. The ECLC is committed to improving equitable outcomes for people who are pregnant, young children birth to age 8 and their families by advancing the alignment, coordination and efficiency of programs and services in Colorado so that all children are healthy, valued and thriving.
To learn more about the ECLC's work, visit earlychildhoodcolorado.org.
Media contact:
Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications
madlynn.ruble@state.co.us
303.866.3411