Our Work
Routt County’s
Early Childhood Council
First Impressions serves as the hub for all early childhood resources. In strengthening and streamlining all early childhood services, families with young children are connected to the resources they need to ensure all children are valued, healthy, and thriving.
MISSION
First Impressions of Routt County works to ensure that young children will be provided adequate resources and quality programs to promote healthy development and school readiness.
vision
The First Impressions Council strengthens the community’s collaborative web of resources where children and families experience dignity and a sense of belonging.
History
Routt County’s Early Childhood Council and the program, First Impressions of Routt County, was formed in March 1997 after extensive community forums and needs assessments.
Early Childhood Community Plan
First Impressions is focused on the following top priority areas as identified by completing a grassroots review of strengths and opportunities throughout our communities in creating the Routt County Early Childhood Community Plan.
Increase Infant and Toddler Slots
To identify the barriers to the addition of new childcare slots or creation of new facilities and determine the ways in which those barriers might be mitigated while promoting family-friendly workplace policies and employee childcare options in the community.
Recruiting and Retaining a High-Quality Early Childhood Workforce
To encourage ECE as a viable and valuable career option, and increase compensation/benefits for early childhood workers and in the community.
Increase Access to Specialized Services
The Children’s Health Advocacy Team (CHAT) works to improve access to specialized physical and emotional health providers and services for children ages Birth to 8.
Thank You To Our Funders
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Department of Human Services
Buell Foundation
Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation
Yampa Valley Community Foundation
Routt County Colorado
Routt County United Way
Routt County HRC