OCTOBER IS HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH


Contact: Becca Bishop, Communications Manager
Phone: (719) 884-1414, E-mail: bbishop@cpcd.org

Colorado Springs, CO – October 3, 2011 – Join Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) in its observance of Head Start Awareness Month throughout the month of October. CPCD will be hosting community events and campaigns to spread awareness about the importance of early childhood education, both locally and nationally.

CPCD is a nonprofit organization that provides free comprehensive early childhood development and family programs for families with children, prenatal through age five, who are living in limited income homes, have special needs or experience other adverse circumstances that could challenge their readiness for kindergarten. CPCD currently serves more than 1,900 children each year in El Paso County through Early Head Start, Head Start and the Colorado Preschool Program.

Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States, with more than 25 million alumni to date. On average, Head Start graduates rank higher in language, literacy, social conduct and physical development than their non-Head Start peers. Head Start children are also significantly more likely to complete high school and attend college than those who did not participate in the program.

Head Start Awareness Month was established in 1965 to honor the Head Start program’s nationwide achievements for the past 28 years. CPCD families have long recognized the positive effects its Head Start program has on their children. Now it’s time to educate our community.

Children enter CPCD an average of 12-15 months behind developmentally but leave for kindergarten on grade level and ready for success. CPCD’s partnerships with parents and community members work to close Colorado’s achievement gap and help low-income families improve their economic situations. For every $1 invested in our programs, the community saves $7 to $17 on expenses such as remedial and special education, public assistance, health care, and criminal justice.

“During this month, we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate CPCD and Head Start’s achievements, while also looking forward in our efforts to reach more children and families in El Paso County who need a head start in school and life,” said CPCD Chief Executive Officer Noreen Landis-Tyson.

CPCD’S HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES:

  • Garden of the Gods Gourmet Community Dinner benefit, Sunday, Oct. 23, 5-8 p.m., The Carter Payne 2011
  • WHY? Community Breakfast, Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:30-8:30 a.m., DoubleTree Hotel
  • CSBJ Diversity & Inclusion Awards, Nominee, Thursday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m., Cheyenne Mountain Resort
  • Three unique volunteer opportunities, Saturday, Oct. 8, 15 & 22. For more information, contact Delberta Uvalle at (719) 884-1411.

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