At Volunteers of America Colorado, we believe that every child deserves a strong start. Through our Early Childhood Education Programs (ECEP), including Head Start and Early Head Start, we provide free, high-quality, dual-language early education to pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers — all while supporting the whole family with vital services like health, nutrition, mental health, and disabilities support.
But beyond the services and the stats, there are stories. Stories like Mateo’s.
Mateo was just three years old when his family enrolled him in VOA Colorado’s Head Start program. His parents had recently moved to the area, hoping to build a better life after facing significant financial hardship. Mateo was quiet, rarely making eye contact, and his speech was delayed compared to his peers. His parents worried about how he would transition into a classroom setting and if he would be ready for kindergarten.
Thanks to the caring, bilingual teachers and the safe, welcoming environment of the Center-Based program, Mateo slowly began to blossom. He started participating in group activities, making friends, and developing a love for learning.
“At VOA Colorado, we meet each child and family exactly where they are,” said Sara Spanich, director of Children’s Programs. “Watching children like Mateo thrive in our classrooms is why we do this work. When we support the whole family, we give children the foundation they need to succeed not only in school but in life.”
Behind the scenes, Mateo’s parents received guidance from their dedicated Family Service Worker, who helped them access health resources, nutritional support, and parenting tools. With this wraparound approach, the whole family began to thrive.
“We were so worried that Mateo wouldn’t be ready for kindergarten,” his mom shared. “But now, we know he’s going to do great. The teachers believed in him, and they believed in us. They made all the difference.”
Today, Mateo is five years old and ready to take on kindergarten with confidence. His parents credit VOA Colorado’s Head Start program for giving him — and them — the tools and support they needed to succeed.
Stories like Mateo’s happen every day at VOA Colorado. With a 4-Star Colorado Shines Rating and a mission to uplift our community’s youngest learners, our Early Childhood Education Programs are creating brighter futures, one child and one family at a time.
To learn more, to volunteer, or find out if your family qualifies, please call 720-627-8647.