Strategic Plan

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In reviewing the current Early Childhood Center facilities, government regulations and local demand for services, it became very clear to the Planning Advisory Team that expanding the ECC program and associated facilities should be a priority for the District. The following considerations guide the decision to make Early Childhood Center a high priority.

Government Mandates

Federal mandates required that the ECC programs offer full-day, full school year to 46 Head Start eligible children in 2021. Head Start law requires that ECC will need to offer full-day, full school year preschool program to all 102 allocated Head Start opportunities. No compliance date has been determined, however, the law still exists and will require compliance.

The new State Department of Early Childhood is currently developing the guidelines for the universal preschool program. Implementation of the universal preschool program will begin in 2023. While the details of this program are not fully defined, the effects will result in an increased preschool student population.

Local Demand

Montrose County is currently considered a “childcare desert.” The demand for preschool and early childhood care will require additional facilities to meet the needs of the Montrose County community. The State Demographer is expecting significant growth in the early childhood population. Additional, or larger facilities, would be necessary to bridge the gap for students and families needing and wanting services. Please refer to the link below for the Montrose Childcare Needs Assessment.

Montrose Childcare Needs Assessment

Improved Student Performance

Many studies show early childhood education provides a solid foundation for learning and is a measurable benefit for student achievement. The District desires to expand preschool programming that is more diverse and equitable. To adequately meet this commitment for our community, a larger facility would be necessary to serve an increased number of children.

Facility Considerations

The ECC program is currently operating in modular classrooms buildings at three campuses. The main campus is located near the District Administration offices and consists of fifteen modular buildings. Two modular classroom buildings are being used for this program at the Olathe Elementary School campus. One modular building is being used at Johnson Elementary School to offer preschool programming. Most of these District modular buildings are outdated and expensive for the District to operate and maintain. Safety and security are other valid concerns with students moving from building to building.

A new, larger capacity facility would be necessary to accommodate the anticipated enrollment growth and to allow the District to move out of the modular classroom buildings at the main campus and Johnson Elementary campus. The facility in Olathe will continue to be used with planned facilities upgrades.
The modular buildings at the Olathe Campus are newer and in good condition. Planned improvements will provide for program expansion and continued development.

The Planning Advisory Team studied multiple options for the new ECC facility. It was agreed that both of the District owned sites, at Johnson Elementary School and Brown Ranch, should continue to be studied. Test fits for both sites are included as part of this master plan.

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Quick Links / Additional Information

BEST Program Information
Colorado Department of Energy (CDE) Assessment
School District Website
Montrose Childcare Needs Assessment