DDRC’s Early Intervention Service Coordinator, Laura Weiand, was one of just four winners of the Children’s Champion Awards at the Triad Early Childhood Council 2024 luncheon. We are grateful she is on our team and amazed of the impact she makes for children and families.

The award recognizes individuals who go beyond the requirements of their job to ensure that services for children birth – 8 years old in Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties are comprehensive, equitable and accessible.

As one example of Laura’s approach to her work, she chose to participate in the BABIES Learning Collaborative, which DDRC helped initiate for our staff. This was completely optional and required a lot of time on top of Laura’s full workload. 

The BABIES training has positioned Laura to take on a unique, and often challenging caseload consisting of newborn babies with complex needs and their families. Despite the difficult situations, coworkers and families say that Laura handles them with grace, ease and patience. She actively listens so that each family knows their individual needs are heard and considered. She helps them navigate their new course in life, ensuring they have the tools to make informed and often difficult decisions. She is also very supportive of everyone within the care team, including the family, Early Intervention providers and other community partners. Laura’s attentive, knowledgeable, collaborative, and caring approach benefits everyone in her sphere of Early Intervention work!

Learn about Triad Early Childhood Council, whose Executive Director, Pat Bolton, also serves on DDRC’s Board of Directors.