Colorado Coaching Competencies
Supporting a shared foundation for high-quality coaching across Colorado’s early childhood profession.
About the Competencies
The Colorado Early Childhood Coaching Competencies provide a common framework for coaching practice across Colorado. They support coaches, programs, and organizations in understanding the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and reflective practices that contribute to effective coaching relationships.
In 2026, The Colorado Coaching Consortium adopted the 2025 International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies as Colorado’s updated competencies, with permission from ICF. Unlike previous versions, CCC now uses ICF’s competency language without modification while continuing to provide Colorado-specific context through CCC’s Core Values and Definition of Coaching.
The International Coaching Federation Core Competencies (2025) are used with permission from ICF.
Ethics & Values
CCC encourages early childhood coaches to consider the NAEYC Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators alongside the ICF Code of Ethics and ICF Core Values as complementary resources for ethical and reflective coaching practice.
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The Colorado Early Childhood Coaching Competencies
This resource outlines the essential skills and principles for effective coaching. It’s designed to help coaches, programs, and initiatives with professional development, skill-building and self-reflection, and promoting coaching as a profession.
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A Self-Reflective Tool
This Self-Reflective Tool allows coaches to self-assess how the competencies show up in your coaching practice and identify opportunities for continued growth. It's a practical resource for tracking growth and connecting and we encourage coaches to revisit the competencies at least annually.
Translated Versions of the Colorado Coaching Competencies
To support accessibility and inclusive professional learning, ICF provides translations of its Core Competencies in multiple languages. These translated versions are intended to broaden access to coaching resources and support coaches, programs, and initiatives across Colorado.
Important Note on Competency Use
The Colorado Coaching Competencies were developed to guide and support coaching practices across the state of Colorado. These competencies were adapted from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) with their permission. Organizations or entities outside of Colorado interested in using or adapting these competencies must first obtain permission from the ICF. Once ICF permission has been granted, please contact the Colorado Coaching Consortium (CCC) at info@cocoaches.org for guidance and approval regarding use or adaptation within your organization.
