DENVER (KDVR) -- Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law last week that the nonprofit Healthier Colorado says will advance early childhood health priorities in the state.

The bill, SB25-017, codifies and strengthens the community-based program HealthySteps, which Healthier Colorado said supports young children and their caregivers.

SB25-017, also known as Measures to Support Early Childhood Health, was sponsored by Sens. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) and Iman Jodeh (D-Aurora) and Reps. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder) and Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins).

"The most important investment we can make is in the health and well-being of Colorado's kids," Cutter said in a statement. “I was proud to support this bill to help ensure that young children across our state receive the critical developmental screenings and early interventions they need to grow into healthy, successful adults."

HealthySteps is a pediatric primary care program that supports parents of children aged 0-3. The program provides a "tiered model of services" for children and their families by integrating a trained child development expert into the clinical care team, according to Healthier Colorado.

"Before birth through age 5 is a critical time for a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. However, many of Colorado’s youngest children are not receiving appropriate developmental screenings or access to needed services in a timely manner," Healthier Colorado said in a news release.

There are currently 32 HealthySteps locations in Colorado, which Healthier Colorado said serve 38,821 children — with 71% relying on Medicaid and more than half who are Hispanic or Latino.

The bill was supported by ABCD Colorado, Children’s Hospital, Healthier Colorado and Healthy Child Care Colorado.