Health and Safety Committee Meeting - October 8, 2025

The Denver City Council Health and Safety Committee convened on October 8, 2025, for annual briefings from the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) and Denver Great Kids Head Start. Committee members engaged in extensive Q&A, focusing on program impacts, funding challenges, and future expansions to support early childhood education in Denver.

Discussion Items

• Denver Preschool Program Annual Report: CEO Elsa Holquin presented DPP's achievements, including serving 60% of Denver's four-year-olds (approximately 4,500 children), expanding to three-year-olds with $6.3 million invested, and providing $184 million in tuition credits since inception. She expressed strong support for quality improvement, noting $3.6 million allocated last year, and discussed strategic planning for a zero-to-three pilot and program rebranding. Holquin emphasized DPP's role in alleviating childcare costs during crises and highlighted parent satisfaction at 95%.
• Council Q&A on DPP: Members raised questions and expressed positions. Councilmember Diana Romero Campbell commended DPP's evolution and asked about zero-to-three expansion, to which Holquin described plans for targeted neighborhood models. Councilmember Kevin Flynn inquired about population served and outreach, appreciating the comprehensive answer; Holquin detailed extensive community engagement through 95+ events and provider recruitment. Councilmember Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez questioned cost consistency and outcomes, with Holquin explaining variability due to provider types and scholarship pilots. Councilmember Amanda Sawyer discussed professional development gaps, and Holquin noted partnerships with workforce development, including the Department of Economic Development.
• Denver Great Kids Head Start Presentation: Rackiteras (Office of Children's Affairs), Dr. Alan Lori Martinez (Head Start Executive Director), and Lori Medina (Assistant Head Start Director) overviewed the federally funded program, serving 1,112 children through seven delegate agencies. They highlighted the shared decision-making model with parent-led policy councils, $14 million in funding with 87% directed to services, and success in child outcomes and family support, with 92% of families reporting the program as helpful.
• Council Q&A on Head Start: Councilmembers expressed support and raised concerns. Councilmember Amanda Sawyer praised the program's depth beyond the presentation. Councilmember Alvidras asked about serving immigrant families, and Dr. Martinez affirmed continued inclusivity despite federal pressures, citing residency in Denver as the key criterion. Councilmember Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez inquired about housing status, with Martinez noting that 18% of families at one delegate are homeless, and discussed partnerships for affordable housing. Councilmember Paul Cashman explored program hours and funding braiding, with Martinez explaining variations and challenges like the CCAP freeze.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were made. The committee acknowledged the presentations and discussed ongoing initiatives, including data sharing agreements with Denver Human Services to address CCAP waitlists, strategic planning for early childhood education through the Denver Early Childhood Council, and pilots for zero-to-three care. The meeting was adjourned with appreciation for both programs' work.