20 Years of ABCD: Celebrating the People, Partnerships, and Progress Behind Healthier Beginnings

Twenty years ago, ABCD began with a vision for a more connected and responsive early childhood system in Colorado. Today, that vision continues to grow, shaped by the families, providers, and communities we work alongside.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come, the people and partnerships that have made this work possible, and what comes next.

From 2006 to Today: Two Decades of Progress

When ABCD began in 2006, developmental screening practices varied across Colorado, and health care providers often had limited information about what happened after referring a child for services. 

Our early work focused on making developmental screening a routine part of pediatric care, Over time, we began asking a bigger question: How can we strengthen connections between families, and the developmental services and support they need?

That question helped shape ABCD’s evolution, from strengthening developmental screening and referrals to expanding HealthySteps, elevating family experiences, and bringing families and communities together to co-design solutions.  

Twenty years later, that collaboration has helped make possible

• Routine developmental screening in pediatric primary care

• 59 clinics at 6 health systems implementing closed-loop referral systems

• HealthySteps has grown from 3 to 31 sites, reaching more than 46,000 children and families

• Families are helping co-design solutions, bringing their experiences and perspectives into decisions about programs and services, alongside professionals

• Communities have new tools and frameworks to strengthen developmental screening, referral and follow-up

• HealthySteps has been recognized in Colorado state statute, helping establish a foundation for long-term sustainability.

See ABCD’s journey: 20 Year Anniversary Video.

20 Years of Early Childhood Impact

To commemorate this milestone, ABCD created a 20-Year impact report, highlighting the progress made alongside families, health care providers, community partners, and early childhood professionals.  

From developmental screening and stronger connections to family leadership, and systems change, the report tells the story of how our work has evolved to meet the changing needs of Colorado’s children and families. 

Explore ABCD’s 20-Year Impact Report to learn more about the people, partnerships and milestones behind this work.

A Celebration of Connection, & Community

In September, ABCD brought together friends, families, colleagues, and partners to celebrate 20 years of collaboration. 

The evening was filled with connection, reflection, and appreciation for the people who have shaped ABCD’s journey. 

And thanks to the generosity of our community, the celebration raised more than $41,000 to support ABCD’s continued work with children, families, and communities across Colorado!

Celebrating together at our 20 year celebration!

On to the Next 20 Years

As we look ahead, we're excited to build on what we've learned, deepen our partnerships, and create more opportunities for families to shape the systems that support them. 

Our focus remains on strengthening early childhood services, equipping professionals with the tools and resources they need, improving connections between families and services, and turning what we learn into lasting change. 

Twenty years is worth celebrating, and we’re just as excited about what comes next. 

One thing has remained constant: lasting change is built together. 

To the families, providers, partners, funders, staff, board members, and community leaders who have been part of ABCD’s story: thank you. You’ve helped shape ABCD’s first 20 years, and we look forward to continuing this work together. 

Here's to the next 20 years of learning, connecting, and helping Colorado’s children and families thrive!

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With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

ABCD’s 20th anniversary celebration was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for helping us celebrate this milestone and for investing in a future where Colorado’s children and families can thrive.

Special thanks to our 20th Anniversary Celebration Sponsors:

• The Auer and Bennett Families

• Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council

• Centennial Nonprofit Consulting, LLC

• City Street Investors & Evans School

• Colorado Access

• Denver Health

• Highlands Integrative Pediatrics

• Meaningful Collaboration

• PNC Bank

• Sammy Emerson Photography

• Shames Makovsky Realty Company

• W.H.E.E. Preschool