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OUR APPROACH

The Case for Connection

The early childhood system is bigger than any one program or organization. By bringing people, resources, policies and ideas together, we are creating a stronger, more connected system of care for Denver’s children and families.

A System Made of Many Parts

The early years of a child’s life are shaped by much more than what happens in a classroom. Families rely on a network of care that can include early educators and child care providers; family, friends, and neighbors; health care providers; community organizations and many others. Families and their children are also affected by public policies, programs, housing, transportation and economic conditions.

Denver has talented and committed people and organizations working across all these areas every day. Together, they provide care, education, essential resources and support to thousands of children and families. Each plays an important role, and each brings knowledge, relationships and resources that strengthen our community.

But these parts of the system don’t always connect in ways that make sense for the people at the center of it. Families may encounter different programs, eligibility requirements and pathways depending on what they need. Caregivers and providers navigate their own set of systems and resources. And organizations with shared goals may not always have the relationships, information or resources to work together.

The result? A system that can be interconnected in theory, but disconnected in practice.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Wonder of What’s Possible

Denver doesn’t need to start from scratch. We already have dedicated people, strong organizations, trusted relationships and significant investments working across early childhood. The opportunity lies in connecting these strengths in ways that make the whole system work better for children, families, caregivers and the community.

A more connected system

  • helps resources go further
  • makes it easier for families to find and navigate support
  • strengthens support for the people who provide care
  • creates more opportunities for organizations and leaders to solve problems together

To make this a reality requires looking beyond individual programs to seeing and creating connections among them and then exploring what’s possible when we work toward shared outcomes.

Connection is not about creating one system or one solution. It’s about making the system we have work better together.

A Foundation To Build On

A Proven Program. A Bigger Vision.

For 20 years, Denver Preschool Program (DPP) has helped make quality preschool more accessible to Denver families while strengthening the providers and educators who make early learning possible. Today, DPP continues that work by providing tuition support to families, investing in provider quality and workforce development and helping connect families with a preschool of their choice that best meets their needs.

As part of First Step Collective, DPP will remain a vital program serving Denver children, families and providers. At the same time, First Step Collective creates an opportunity to build on what DPP has learned and the relationships it has built, helping ensure that all children in Denver from birth to age 5 have access to a connected system of care.

DPP’s experience and impact are a foundation for what comes next.

Explore DPP
vibrant wooden stacking toy designed for children

DPP: A National Model of Success

Denver has invested in early childhood for two decades, creating a foundation of programs, providers, and public investment. These numbers show both the scale of that foundation and the opportunity to build on it.

$272M

tuition credits

invested in Denver Families since 2006

Source: DPP's Impact
264

participating providers

from family child care homes to community-based centers in Denver

Source: DPP's Impact
$42.3M

in citywide savings

over four years generated by DPP—more than $10 million annually—by reducing remediation costs, preserving per-pupil funding, and boosting family income

Source: DPP Annual Report 2024

Our Vision

A Connected System of Care

First Step Collective brings together the people, organizations and resources that shape early childhood in Denver. We connect across programs, sectors and communities to reduce barriers, strengthen support and create new possibilities for young children and families. Because when we come together, more is possible.

No one organization can do it alone. No single program can solve it all. But together, we can make the first step stronger for every child and family.

The Case, Backed by Research

First Step Collective is grounded in research, community experience and the growing body of work that demonstrates what becomes possible when we invest in and connect the systems surrounding young children and families.

UNDERSTANDING THE SYSTEM External Link SEEING THE WHOLE PICTURE External Link UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMICS External Link DENVER’S PROVEN MODEL External Link UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC WILL External Link