Gov. Jared Polis appointed five Colorado leaders to his Early Childhood Leadership Commission, the state Department of Human Services announced Tuesday.

The commissioners are:

• Heather J. O’Hayre (Fort Collins), director of the Larimer County Department of Human Services
• Jake Williams (Lafayette), executive director of Healthier Colorado
• Jasmin Ramirez (Glenwood Springs), parent representative and school board member for the Roaring Fork School District
• Leslie Nichols (Gunnison), superintendent of the Gunnison Watershed School District
• Lucinda Burns (Dillon), executive director of Early Childhood Options

Polis re-appointed Eagle County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney to another three-year term.

“I am thrilled that the Early Childhood Leadership Commission is leading the work to develop successful universal preschool,” Polis said in a statement. “High-quality early childhood education is the foundation for helping children thrive, eliminating racial and economic disparities in achievement, and ensuring we have a strong economy. Together, we can ensure that Colorado remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

The ECLC provides expertise and guidance to policymakers to improve outcomes for pregnant women, children from birth to 8 years old and their families by advancing the aligning, coordinating and ensuring efficiency in related programs.

The 21-member commission was created by the legislature in 2013.