Building Bright Futures for Our Children

When 4-year-old Natalie and her mother, Alejandra, walked into the preschool classroom at The Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center at Mile High United Way for the first time, Natalie was most excited to meet her new teachers.

The moment marked the next step in the incredible journey Natalie’s family – and the Mile High United Way community – had taken in just a few short years.

Early Learning Center at Mile High United Way — Natalie playing during the opening of The Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center

In 2024, Mile High United Way was thrilled to welcome families to the new early learning center, located in our building in the Curtis Park neighborhood. With child care slots for almost 60 children, the center is an innovative solution in a part of Denver that is considered a child care desert – meaning there are more children in need of early care and learning than spaces available.

Longtime community partner Mile High Early Learning provides the education and care for children like Natalie. Natalie’s teachers created the nurturing environment to help her flourish.

Early Learning Center in Curtis Neighborhood Denver — Young child with their teacher at The Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center

“We know that young children need a place with responsive, nurturing caregivers, an environment that builds off their natural curiosity and intelligence,” said Dr. Pamela Harris, Mile High Early Learning president and CEO.

As part of the preschool classroom, Natalie learned about gardening, how to reuse and recycle, the science of water and even architecture and community building. Natalie and her preschool classmates created their own community, complete with an ice cream shop, movie theater and restaurants.

“I truly believe that my daughter wouldn’t be thriving the way she is today without The Tamara M. Sparks Center. They gave her the support and head start she needed to succeed,” Alejandra said.

Young child learning from her teacher at The Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center

Natalie started kindergarten this fall. Already, Alejandra knows her daughter is benefitting from her time at the early learning center.

“Our experience was truly wonderful,” Alejandra said. “She had the privilege of learning from caring and dedicated preschool teachers who helped her build a strong foundation.”

Learn more about how you can support our work in early child care and education.