Project Overview
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) administers critical resources and supports to thousands of Coloradans who struggle to afford basic living necessities. Many of these individuals also face steep barriers in obtaining the skills, training, and employment opportunities needed to achieve long-term self sufficiency and economic stability. Third Sector partnered with CDHS to incorporate outcomes-oriented contracting principles within the Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program (CW STEP). Third Sector worked with CDHS and its partners to embed a focus on outcomes and financial incentives into the CW STEP contract and apply lessons learned across other contracts in the agency, with the goal of further enhancing the CDHS’ existing culture of performance management and measurably improving long-term outcomes of parents, children, and families served.
Early Childhood Development
| Project Name | Scope | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engaging Local Communities to Strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education Across Minnesota | State | MN | Complete |
| Third Sector partnered with SRI Education to support the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families in its work to strengthen local early childhood care and education systems. Working in seven communities across the state, we launched a series of “Mixed-Delivery Action Labs” that enabled local child care, public health, business, and community leaders to collaboratively develop solutions to child care challenges. Third Sector designed and facilitated these action labs, which incorporated Human Centered Design (HCD) and Community Co-Design practices to help local educators develop systems-strengthening projects, build connections within and across communities, enhance collaboration with state leaders, and implement “quick wins” to immediately help children and families thrive, no matter where they get their child care. | |||
| Maryland Child Care Stabilization Funding (ARPA) | State | MD | Closed |
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Third Sector partnered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to develop their funding formula for their second round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) child care stabilization grants, including analysis incentives and bonuses that could be included in the funding formula that address racial equity and target improving access and supply of high quality infant and toddler child care.
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