Your Stories

I had my kiddo at 21 and finished college. I used a home daycare in Boulder while I was finishing, which was great. Then I cycled through several big-name, recognizable daycares and did not have a good experience. I really wanted to find something that made sense for my kid. I used the Children’s Development Center on campus in Denver when I went back for my master’s. Having my child right ...

People can’t afford to have kids. My daughter said, "We really want another one, but I don’t know that it’s doable." And it’s heartbreaking. I would love to say "We have everything paid off. I can retire and take care of my grandchildren." I would love nothing more. My mom didn’t work when my nieces and nephews were born, so she took care of them. I would love nothing more than to take care ...

My daughter is now in the 4th grade, but when she was little she attended preschool through CPCD Head Start. Having my preschooler attend this program allowed me to go back to school, participate in the Family Development Credential program that is offered to parents, and eventually lead me to my current position, working as a Family Advocate for CPCD. Access to affordable child care is ...

We have to care about kids. They're the most vulnerable people in the population.If we aren't taking care of moms and children, then we are a failed society. If you have means and education and emotional support to raise your kid—highest of fives—but what about everybody else? The needs of children impact every one of us. We have to do it together. Those first six years are absolutely ...

How has childcare (or not having it) affected your ability to work, pursue education, or participate in your community? With an older child w ho has a disability and a younger child needing care, finding consistent childcare and work felt nearly impossible. Head Start and Early Head Start provided stability during a time when our family truly needed support. Reliable childcare has ...

When our kids were little we used a nanny we found through Care.com. Honestly, it was scary. You’re dropping your kids off at someone’s house with very little ability to verify anything. Other kids, big dogs — you just hope your kids are safe when you pick them up. But you have to go to work. You’ve got to put food on the table. You’re choosing between two bad options. We didn't have family ...

Eventhough I have encountered many wonderful Early childhood professionals in my many years with Cpcd there is one who is particularly close to my heart .Her name is Lori, she was my Family Advocate at A time in my life where I didn't have much hope for my future and I could not see A clear path. She provided me with resources and educated me on various topics but more than that, she helped ...

I was a single parent for many years. At the time, I was an entry-level automotive technician, not making a lot of money. I was fortunate enough to find a woman who was doing childcare out of her house. She was able to work with my schedule, and the cost was something I could manage. That worked out nicely, but then she ended up moving out of state. When that happened, I had to go back to ...

I am so grateful for CPCD for opening schooling for toddlers. My toddler is 3 going on 4, and she is thriving with CPCD; she's reading, she knows how to write her name, she knows her ABCs and her colors. My 3-year-old didn't know anything until she started attending CPCD. It's an awesome feeling to see your child thriving and do an amazing things on his or her own. I am so grateful that my ...

We are a military family, and our son is an only child. He has been diagnosed with Sensory Regulation Disorder and a speech delay. Before CPCD, I was a stay-at-home mom who put her life on hold to fully dedicate my time to him. Finances were tight, and it didn’t make sense to work only to pay for daycare—but it was still a struggle. I’m not an educator, and adding “teacher” to the roles of ...

Having child care has made a difference in my life through watching my daughter thrive and being able to communicate with her. Before she started preschool, her speech was limited and sometimes it was a little difficult to understand her. Now, I am able to have effective conversations with my daughter. Watching her thrive with more confidence as she communicates has been some of the most ...

Telma and her husband Ernesto are parents to three young children, with a fourth baby on the way. Ernesto had always worked tirelessly as a roofer to provide for his family, often taking on long days and difficult jobs. But one rainy afternoon, while repairing a roof, he slipped and fell. The accident left him physically unable to work for the foreseeable future.As Ernesto began the long ...

When I was looking for a daycare after I had a baby, I toured a few places. It was hard find one that felt right. I was living in Austin and having to decide between putting my daughter in daycare or no longer working. I noticed it lacked the feeling of home. The feeling that they are just another number. So ultimately I had to stop working. It affected my ability to work not having that ...

There have been so many times in my life when I experienced a lack of childcare. Luckily, I was able to get my son in the headstart program and my daughter in pre-k, which have been lifesavers. It allows me to pursue my career and schooling, all while they are learning and having fun. I have had to find alternative places for them to attend when school is not in session, and without those, I ...

As a mom of two, childcare has shaped almost every part of my life. I’ll never forget the year when my husband was suddenly assigned weekend shifts, and I was working full-time on weekdays. Without reliable childcare, even simple things—like scheduling doctor appointments, attending parent-teacher meetings, or just catching a breath—became overwhelming. I remember once turning down a job ...

I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for most of my adult life, and during that time I have seen both positive and negative impacts on my community. Recently, what has bothered me most is the lack of funding available to families who need help paying for childcare. A few weeks ago, a parent whose child attends our center came in almost in tears because their renewal for ...