Court Care Operations Moved to Early Connections
The nonprofit Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region has dissolved and transferred its services to Early Connections Learning Centers.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Child Care
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Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region has ceased operations as an independent nonprofit, shifting its trauma-focused childcare program to Early Connections Learning Centers. This merger aims to secure long-term stability for the essential services provided at the El Paso County courthouse.
Why it matters
The transition ensures continued access to free, licensed childcare for vulnerable families while addressing funding hurdles that impacted Court Care. By merging into a larger organization, the program expects to streamline operations and reduce annual expenses.
Court Care served 2,253 children from 812 families in its final year, with 82% of families living at or below the federal poverty level. The merger plans to reduce total administrative expenses by $60,000 from the current $325,000 fiscal year budget.
The players
Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region
This nonprofit organization has provided trauma-focused, licensed childcare at courthouse locations since its incorporation in 2002.
Early Connections Learning Centers
Established in 1897, this organization provides specialized educational and childcare services and has overseen Court Care operations since 2003.
Olivia Rose
She served as the leader of the Court Care organization until her departure on October 8, 2026.
The details
The program, which occupies the first floor of the El Paso County courthouse, has provided trauma-focused care for children ages six weeks to 12 years since 2002. Early Connections Learning Centers, which has managed staffing and oversight for the program since 2003, will now fully integrate the services.
Timeline
1897: Early Connections Learning Centers was established.
2002: Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region incorporated.
June 30, 2026: The fiscal year for Court Care ended.
October 8, 2026: Olivia Rose ceased leading the organization.
End of 2026: The transition of services to Early Connections will be completed.
Culture Shift
The move reflects a broader societal shift where specialized, localized non-profits consolidate into larger, more stable organizations to ensure continuity of service. This transition demonstrates how community resources are adapting to maintain critical support systems during period of funding instability.
Families relying on courthouse child care services in the Pikes Peak Region will continue to receive trauma-focused support without a change in location or eligibility. The merger ensures that the specialized care environment remains available for those needing assistance during legal proceedings.
The takeaway
Merging specialized community programs into larger organizations can successfully preserve vital public services while improving operational efficiency. Families should continue to access courthouse care as usual during the final phase of this organizational transition.
What happens next
Early Connections Learning Centers plans to open a fifth child care location next summer.
Further reading
Find more information on local initiatives and resources in the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
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