CPCD giving children a head start

Founded in 1987, CPCD was spun-off from Catholic Charities to simply manage the Head Start program in El Paso County. At that time, CPCD was funded to serve 300 children. We now reach nearly six times that number through Head Start, Early Head Start and the Colorado Preschool Program.

CPCD now serves 1,801 families with children, ages 0-5, who are living in limited-income households, have special needs or are experiencing other difficult circumstances that could challenge their readiness for kindergarten. Last year, CPCD's waiting list topped 1,000.

The agency operates 60+ classrooms in six local school districts. In addition to education, CPCD provides health, behavioral health, transportation, nutrition, home visits and family services. CPCD currently employs approximately 350 staff members. Both of these numbers may increase as we continue our ongoing expansion.