THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON COLORADO’S KIDS - KIDS COUNT in Colorado! 2022

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

Annual KIDS COUNT in Colorado! research examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Colorado’s children, highlighting changes across education, early childhood learning, child and family health, and family economic security. The report provides state- and county-level data to track education, health, and well-being, and it is used to inform policy debates and community discussions. It documents investments and policy actions and centers recommendations for building more equitable systems for children and families.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages124

Reading Time5 h 12 min

AccessFree to download

Pandemic Impacts on Colorado’s Kids

K-12 Education

Family Economic Security

Early Childhood Learning and Development

Child and Family Health

County Data Tables

Sources

Acknowledgments

Letter from the Governor

Letter from the President

THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON COLORADO’S KIDS is made possible through the support of: 7+( &2/25$'2 75867 $ *5$17 0$.,1* ) 281'$7,2 1 This research was funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. We thank them for their support but acknowledge that the findings and conclusions presented in the report are those of the authors alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation. We also acknowledge the generous support of the countless contributors whose investments make the work of the Colorado Children’s Campaign possible, including sharing these critical data throughout the year. KIDS COUNT in Colorado! is an annual publication of the Colorado Children’s Campaign that provides the best available state-and county-level data to measure and track the education, health and general well-being of our state’s children. The report informs policy debates and community discussions, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, community leaders, advocates and citizens. The 2022 KIDS COUNT in Colorado! project was written by Sarah Hughes, Vice President, Research Initiatives and Erica Manoatl, Manager of Research Initiatives. Design is by Erin Autrey, 3 Story Design, and Rob Sherow, Design Manager, Colorado Children’s Campaign. Permission to copy is granted so long as KIDS COUNT in Colorado! and the Colorado Children’s Campaign are cited as the source. TABLE OF CONTENTS Pandemic Impacts on Colorado’s Kids 2 K-12 Education 34 Child and Family Health 16 County Data Tables 44 Family Economic Security 6 Sources 42 Early Childhood Learning and Development 26 Acknowledgments 116 LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR August 17, 2022 I am honored to help introduce the 2022 KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report. Every year, the Colorado Children's Campaign provides communities, advocates, and elected officials across the state with the research and data needed to make Colorado the best state possible for kids and families. This report helps signal the areas where we can channel our policy and advocacy efforts to ensure transformative changes for Colorado children and families. Legislators, advocates, and my administration all continued to work diligently this year to develop better support systems for our kids and families. This commitment was solidified by this year’s state budget and our record investments in our K-12 schools and workforce, including increased funding for early childhood; major investments in housing affordability and security; increased accessibility of quality health care during pregnancy and after birth; and streamlined and improved behavioral health services across Colorado. Recently passed legislation garnered bipartisan support and aimed to create a more equitable state in which all Coloradans can have their basic needs met. I am proud of the numerous achievements we have brought to the finish line, including the passage of House Bill 1295, which implements the new state Department of Early Childhood and Universal Preschool program. This monumental bill provides children and families with essential support in their earliest years of life while ensuring that the early childhood workforce can provide the high-quality care and education kids need to thrive, including universal free preschool. In addition to elevating early childhood, we worked to pass a number of bills that uplift and respond to the needs of kids and families across the areas of health, K-12 education, and family economic security. A few more of the achievements I was proud to support and sign during the 2022 legislative session include expanded health care coverage to kids and pregnant Coloradans who are undocumented, a new early childhood educator income tax credit, and more equitable public school funding alongside new frameworks to cultivate safe and supportive school climates for our students. The Colorado Children's Campaign’s continued dedication in partnership with their statewi

FAQs

What does the 2022 KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report focus on?

It focuses on the impact of the pandemic on Colorado’s children, using education, health, early learning, and family economic security as key areas.

What kind of data does the report provide?

It provides the best available state- and county-level data to measure and track children’s education, health, and overall well-being.

Who is the audience for the report’s findings and recommendations?

The report is designed to inform policy debates and community discussions, serving policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and citizens.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor