Otero College Child Development Services kicked off its 2023-2024 school year with a 1950s-themed sock hop last week.
Attending the event were outgoing Otero College President Dr. Tim Alvarez and new President Dr. Kimberly Zant. The CDS team thanked Dr. Alvarez and welcomed Dr. Zant with gift baskets.
CDS Executive Director Tracey Lucero welcomed the team of more than 100 employees and school district paraprofessionals, reminding them they are the heart of the organization. Otero College Child Development Services provides high quality, comprehensive early childhood education programs for children from birth to compulsory school age; provides parent education programs that strengthen the family, develop basic literacy, encourage job training and personal development; and develops community partnerships and coordination of community-based services.
Throughout the day, staff were treated to 1950s music, burgers and fries for lunch, root beer floats for snack and dance contests and costume contests.
History
CDS chose to go with the 1950s theme as the organization will soon celebrate its 50-year partnership with Otero College.
In 1974, Otero Junior College received the award for the Head Start and Parent-Child Center programs to serve Otero, Crowley and Bent Counties in southeastern Colorado. Otero Junior College established Child Development Services.
In 1985 Child Development Services Head Start program expanded and opened a center in Prowers County. In that same year, Otero Junior College became the grantee for the Migrant Head Start Program for Otero and Prowers counties.
In 1994, the Child Development Services Migrant Head Start program expanded its service area and opened centers in the counties of Pueblo, Alamosa and Rio Grande.
In 2009 Otero Junior College Child Development Services received notification of Early Head Start expansion to include the counties of Bent and Pueblo to the existing counties of Crowley and Otero.
Since the inception of Child Development Services, Otero Junior College, now Otero College, has advocated for and provided a strong community presence for both families and staff participating in the programs offered by Child Development Services. In addition, Otero College provides the infrastructure for financial management, program governance, human resource management and staff development.
Enrollment happening now
Each center is still enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year. Head Start eligibility is based on income. You must provide a child’s birth certificate, immunization record, proof of all household income (income tax forms, w-2, pay stubs, public assistance/SNAP/TANF or SSI verification).
Children can also enroll in Universal Preschool.
Early Head Start provides services for pregnant women, infants and toddlers up to the age of 3. Our program provides comprehensive child development, health, nutrition and family support services to the families we serve.
Preschool services in Lamar, Las Animas, La Junta, Rocky Ford and Manzanola begins Monday, August 21. Early Head Start services are provided year-round.
Please call 719-384-3100 or visit cdsheadstart.com for more information.
