About
Located within Carlson Elementary School in Idaho Springs, Colorado, Mountain Trails Early Childhood Education Center is expanding early learning in Clear Creek County by opening a high-quality, affordable center for families and by supporting the growth of early childhood professionals throughout the community.
Every Child, Every Provider
We are about our students…
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Quality social, emotional, and developmental learning that prepares them for Kindergarten and beyond.
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Engaging and fun learning that inspires curiosity and excitement for learning.
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Children build connections to each other, their community, and the world around them through community connected and outdoor learning experiences.
We are about our families…
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The center is a safe, affordable, accessible space that provides families with work-life balance and peace of mind.
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The center will bring resources to young families and help to build a sense of community amongst the families that attend.
We are about our educators …
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Mountain Trails’ staff have a voice in the development of programming and curriculum, receive fair and equitable salaries and benefits, and professional learning opportunities that will grow their skills and commitment to early learning, the community, and the children and families they serve.
We are about our Clear Creek Community…
Mountain Trails strengthens Clear Creek County by:
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Supporting Working Families: Enabling parents to maintain careers while ensuring quality care.
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Boosting Economic Development: Supporting businesses that need skilled workers with childcare access and strengthening the entire childcare ecosystem to attract families and businesses to Clear Creek County.
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Addressing Teacher Shortages: Training the next generation of early childhood educators while employing qualified educators and supporting existing providers’ professional growth.
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Building Stronger Communities: Creating connections between families and fostering local investment in children.
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Elevating All Early Childhood Education: Supporting quality improvement across every type of childcare setting, from home-based care, to family-friends-neighbors caregivers, and to large centers.
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Building a Professional Network: Creating connections between providers, sharing resources, and fostering collaboration throughout the community.
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Leveraging Our Environment: Sharing outdoor education expertise and mountain-inspired learning approaches with all community providers.
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Timeline
2026
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Construction Drawings approved by Clear Creek School District
2025
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2026 Summercare pilot program launched
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Jacobs Project Management contracted as Owner’s Representative
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The Early Childhood Educator Continuum is released. Co-designed with community partners, it lays out phased pathways for parents, career changers, and high school students to become early learning professionals
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Mountain Trails takes possession of 6,300 SF of space in the renovated Carlson Elementary School
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Communications plan, value proposition, marketing strategy and website development.
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Workforce development outreach. Mountain Trails Early Childhood Education Training Handbook developed defining career pathways, training and licensing for early childhood educators and prospective educators.
Our Team
We take immense pride in introducing you to the heart and soul of our school—the remarkable individuals who are committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Our team is not just a group of educators; they are mentors, role models, and champions for children and professional development for educators.
Leadership
Becky Dancer
Director of Learning Initiatives, Clear Creek Schools Foundation
“This work matters because our youngest learners deserve the best start in their lifelong learning journey.”
Community Advisory Board