“Every child is a learner, navigating their path uniquely, and here at the Child Development Center, it’s our honor to teach these kids.”
This statement from Maru Garcia, the director of the Child Development Center (CDC) is at the core of all Catholic Charities early Childhood Education (ECE) programs.
“I’ve been in education for 30 years,” she shares, “and this staff is one of the best that I have worked with.”
This early childhood education center, located near the Broncos stadium in Denver, is home to seven classrooms, each with young minds eager to learn. From infants as young as eight weeks old to preschoolers of five years, the CDC center caters to the needs of 75 children, providing an inclusive educational experience.
As Maru guides visitors through the center, it becomes clear that CDC is more than just a place for children to learn and grow—it’s a place where families come together in support of one another. In the lobby, donated clothes hang on a rack, offering parents the opportunity to take what they need and give back what they can as their child outgrows them.And the nearby painted bench, made by parents from the center, serves as a colorful reminder of the community’s collaboration and creativity.
Throughout the Catholic Charities ministry, one of 76 locations across Colorado, children’s artwork decorates the walls. In each classroom, clipboards provide daily updates for parents, ensuring communication about their child’s activities and progress such as when a child eats and uses the bathroom.
But what truly sets the CDC apart is its commitment to inclusive education. Maru believes that “Disability does not define a child’s potential to learn. Every child is a learner, navigating their path uniquely.” With this commitment at its core, the center works closely with therapists to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, receives the support they need to thrive.
Cassandra, a veteran teacher with 29 years of service at the CDC, echoes this. “I like working here because I love what I do. “The more I introduce to them, the more they learn and grow.”
The CDC’s learning comes from all over through collaborations with organizations like the Denver Public Library, which bring experiences directly to the children. Additionally, the center, which is one of six early childhood education centers run by Catholic Charities of Denver, engages occupational and speech therapists to work with the children in order to get them ready for kindergarten.
For Maru Garcia, the most special moments are children’s growth and development. “I love being surrounded by the students here. Their smiles just light up my heart.” One such moment was witnessing a teacher engage six toddlers in a math activity that surpassed expectations for their age group. “It was a very unique and proud moment.”
In moments both big and small, the Catholic Charities nurtures the seeds of knowledge and inclusivity, shaping bright futures for all who walk through its doors.