welcome to the community
Whether you’re a military family experienced at getting settled into a new community or a family that has found us while looking for resources and support, this page has key local resources, including how to find child care. We hope you enjoy your time in the Pikes Peak Region!
resources + support
Moving to Colorado Springs with Young children?
UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL
Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) Program provides 15 hours of free preschool for all children during the year prior to kindergarten. Joint Initiatives provides a web page in English and Spanish on this site for families to learn more about UPK, how to apply, and contact information if you need further assistance in English or Spanish. View the flyer HERE.
PLAYGROUP
Joint Initiatives offers a free playgroup for families/caregivers with children 5 and under. This fun and interactive morning is a great chance to connect with other parents! Playgroup is held at our Ascend Center location. For all the details and the link to register, view our flyer HERE or register here.
IS YOUR CHILD READY TO START KINDERGARTEN?
Joint Initiatives provides a hub of kindergarten resources HERE. It includes tips for readiness and links to all of the school districts in the area.
Military Child Care website
MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) streamlines the search for child care process and connect families to information and quality child care resources.
Operation Child Care Project
Operation Child Care Project is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit dedicated to serving military families. Our mission is to advocate for military children by providing them with resources and tools to help them navigate the challenges of military life. We offer case management services to ensure that families have access to the support they need. Our national advocacy efforts aim to protect the rights of military families and help them thrive.
Resources for buying a home
finding child care + MORE
If you need to find an early childhood program for your child that is not on base, you can visit the Finding Child Care page of our website. It includes a checklist for what to look for in a quality program and more about Colorado Shines (state’s free search tool).
MORE RESOURCES
Resources for Trusted Caregivers
- Those serving as a trusted caregiver can find more information on child development, social-emotional/behavioral health, safe sleep, oral health, strengthening families, and more, on our Child Health + Behavior page. JI also offers resources, training opportunities, and opportunities to connect with other caregivers. Contact us HERE for more details.
Visit JI’s Resources Page>>
- This page includes a comprehensive Community Resource Directory (also linked below)!
Home Front Military Care Network >>
- HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way. If you are looking for assistance, please call 719-577-7417 to speak with our navigation team.
The Peterson Air Force Base Airman & Family Readiness Center >>
- Provides targeted Airman and Family support and services, contributing to the mission readiness, resilience and well-being of the Air Force community. View Brochure>>
- Facebook @21FSS or @petersoncommunitysupport
The Fort Carson Military and Family Support Center >>
- As a gateway to the resources you need, the Military and Family Support Center provides information, support and services to help you balance the demands of military life. The Military and Family Support Center is one part of the overall Family Readiness System, which is the network of agencies, programs, services, partnerships and individuals that supports your personal and family life readiness, mobilization and deployment readiness, and mobility and economic readiness.
Child Care Aware >>
- Visit the Child Care Aware website for further information or select your branch of service for more information on eligible programs and assistance.