In 1897, amidst the challenges of a growing Colorado Springs, fourteen visionary women came together to address a pressing need: providing quality care for working mothers. This initiative led to the founding of the Colorado Springs Day Nursery Association, marking the beginning of what we now know as Early Connections Learning Centers.

At the heart of this movement was Alice Bemis Taylor, a dedicated philanthropist whose family’s relocation to Colorado Springs in 1881 was influenced by her mother’s battle with tuberculosis. Recognizing the city’s influx of health seekers due to its reputation as a haven for tuberculosis treatment, Taylor understood the importance of community support structures.

In 1923, honoring her mother’s legacy, Taylor funded the construction of a Tudor-style building for the Historic Day Nursery that sits on the corner of Rio Grande and Tejon, providing a permanent home for the organization and a cornerstone of our community!

Over the decades, Early Connections Learning Centers have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. From offering a haven for children in its early days to medical services such as the removal of the appendix and tonsils in the early 1900s to today, our organization has consistently prioritized comprehensive care to working families in Colorado Springs.

Today, we continue to honor our founders’ vision by providing accessible, high quality early childhood education across multiple centers in Colorado Springs. Our commitment remains steadfast: to support children and families, fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.