Head Start

Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Nearly 25 million pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start. The Colorado Head Start Association (CSHA) supports the work of Head Start programs and their partners with information sharing and advocacy, within the context of the early childhood system in Colorado. Click here to learn more about Colorado Head Start.

P.A.N.D.A.

P.A.N.D.A. is the acronym for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness. It’s a public-private partnership that is helping dental providers in complying with their role as a reporter for suspected child abuse. Since its inception in 1992 in the state of Missouri, the effort has been replicated in 44 states and six international programs. To read more about P.A.N.D.A.'s work in Colorado, click here.

Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is one the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, serving more than 2 million people each year, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Click here to learn more about Colorado branch of the Volunteers of America.

First Smiles

First Smiles is a California initiative to address the "silent epidemic" of Early Childhood Caries affecting children ages 0-5. It is the most prevalent chronic disease of early childhood and a major cause of school absenteeism. Its site is dedicated to providing education and training for dental, medical and early childhood educators, as well as education to parents of young children, including those with disabilities and other special needs, on the prevention of ECC. Click here for more information.