This set of quality standards for Colorado's early child care and education programs is intended to help these programs move toward quality services for all young children. It includes self-evaluation checklists designed to help programs document the state standards they have achieved, the standards they are seeking to meet, and the resources needed to meet the standards in the following areas: (1) interactions among staff and children; (2) curriculum; (3) staff-parent interaction; (4) staff qualifications and development; (5) administration; (6) staffing; (7) physical environment; (8) health and safety; (9) nutrition and food services; and (10) evaluation. The goals and rationale are outlined for each of the 10 areas. Programs using the draft standards and checklists will provide feedback to the Colorado Department of Education, and the standards will be revised accordingly and adopted in final form. (SM)