About Aspen Center
For Child Development
At Aspen Center, a program of OUR Center, we believe children learn through relationship, curiosity, and meaningful experiences. We create welcoming spaces where children are listened to, respected, and invited to explore the world around them.
We serve families across the Longmont community with early childhood education for children from infancy through preschool. We are committed to making thoughtful, high-quality care and learning accessible to families of diverse backgrounds and income levels.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we see children as capable, creative, and full of ideas. Through play, collaboration, and daily discovery, children build confidence, deepen connection, and grow in their own ways. We believe childhood is a time of wonder, and every child deserves a place where they can belong, thrive, and be truly known.
Our Approach
Learning Rooted in Curiosity, Connection, and Care
Learning Through Play
Children make sense of the world through play, movement, making, and exploration. We honor play as meaningful work and an essential path to learning.
Guided By Reggio Emilia
We see children as capable, curious, and full of ideas. Educators listen closely, follow children’s questions, and shape learning alongside them.
Honoring the Whole Child
We care for children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth, honoring that each child develops in their own time and way.
A Community of Belonging
As part of OUR Center, we welcome families of many backgrounds, creating a place where children and families feel known, valued, and supported.
What Guides Life At Aspen Center
At Aspen Center, we see children as capable, curious, and full of ideas. Our classrooms are shaped by caring educators, meaningful relationships, and a deep commitment to thoughtful early learning.
Rights of Children
We believe children have the right to play, to wonder, to make choices, to feel deeply, to be heard, to try hard things, to make mistakes, and to grow into themselves with care and respect.
Thoughtful Educators
Our educators listen closely, observe with care, and create welcoming spaces where children feel known, supported, and inspired to learn each day.
Trusted Qualifications
Aspen Center meets Colorado licensing standards and supports educators through ongoing learning and professional growth. We create safe, steady spaces where children are cared for with thoughtfulness and respect.
Our Classrooms
Spaces for Growing, Learning, and Belonging
Infants (6 weeks-18 months)
Up to 8 infants with 2 full-time teachers and a part-time community support teacher. A nurturing space centered on responsive care, early connection, and each child’s individual rhythms.
Older Toddlers (18-36 Months)
Up to 12 toddlers with 2 full-time teachers and a part-time community support teacher. A classroom where friendships, curiosity, and confidence grow through play.
Younger Toddlers (12-24 Months)
Up to 8 children with 2 full-time teachers. Children grow in independence, movement, communication, and confidence through daily exploration.
Multi-Age Preschool (3-6 Years)
Up to 16 children in the back classroom and 13 in the front classroom, each with 2 full-time teachers. Children build creativity, collaboration, and readiness for the next steps of school.
A Long History of Caring For Children and Families
The OUR Center was founded in 1986 to provide a centrally located, comprehensive service of basic needs to families in the St. Vrain Valley. The scope of the organization was expanded with the addition of OUR Child Care Center in 1989, which later changed its name to the Aspen Center for Child Development. Support for all programs come from the entire community including individuals, churches, service organizations, businesses, private foundations, the City of Longmont, and Boulder County.
From Our Community
Voices of Our Families
Our Mission
What Guides Our Work
We will provide care that enhances the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being of children and their families from all income levels in and around the Longmont community, and support those in need toward self-sufficiency.
The Heart of Our Work
Their Future. Our Passion.
