Policy & Practice | Fall 2025

t the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), we’re not just building programs or launching digital tools, we’re rebuilding trust in government. We’re showing that when you put people at the center of your work, deliver iteratively, and embrace modern approaches like product management and flexible procurement, you don’t just create better technology, you create better outcomes for families, providers, and the communities you serve. This is a story about shifting from bureaucracy to boldness, from red tape to rapid delivery, from risk averse to risk mitigation, from a policy focus to an impact focus, and from “one-size-fits-all” to human centered. It’s also a story about how CDEC aims to make real, lasting change. And yes, it’s also about a major milestone: this year, we were honored to receive the Project of the Year award by the Colorado Technology Association. But more than the recognition, what we are proud of is that we are an agency building for people, with people, and in the service of people. By Sabina Andersson and Stephanie Beasley A

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