Colorado Title 26.5. Early Childhood Programs and Services § 26.5-3-706. Data collection--reporting

(1) On or before July 1, 2023, the department shall develop a statewide data collection and information system to analyze implementation data and selected outcomes to identify areas for improvement, promote accountability, and provide insights to continually improve child and program outcomes. The data collection and information system, and any related processes, must place the least burden possible on the mental health consultants in the program. In selecting the implementation data and outcomes, the department shall incorporate the variability across diverse settings and populations.

(2) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136(11)(a)(I), the department shall, beginning in 2023 and continuing every two years thereafter, in its presentation to the joint budget committee of the general assembly, as well as its presentation to its committee of reference at the hearing held pursuant to section 2-7-203(2)(a) of the “State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act” in January 2027, report on the following issues:

(3) On or before August 1, 2026, the department shall contract with an independent third party to conduct an evaluation, using standard evaluation measures, of the program and its impact on early childhood and program outcomes across the state. The department shall present the results of the evaluation as part of its presentation to its committee of reference at the hearing held pursuant to section 2-7-203(2)(a) of the “State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act” in January 2028.