The Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and guidance in the management and administration of child care centers. Established on September 6, 1985, ECEA has become the second largest child care association in the nation and represents over 400 licensed child care centers, preschools, and school-age programs. It is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership and functions through committees. ECEA membership is comprised of licensed child care centers, encompassing single and multiple centers, profit and non-profit centers, faith-based and secular centers, preschool and school-age programs. Each member has one vote regardless of the number of centers represented. Members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and participate in committee work. Our mission is to promote the growth, long-term sustainability, and quality of licensed private early childhood education programs for children birth to 12 years. This is achieved through advocacy, education, and legislative representation.