Since 1978, children and families in Colorado Springs have benefited from quality early education programs at Colorado Springs Christian Schools.  We’re thrilled that the vast majority of those students have chosen to continue their experience at CSCS once their early education training has been completed.

In the fall of 2000, the early education staff began praying in earnest the Prayer of Jabez…to “expand our territory” in the area of early education.  Not knowing all that God had in mind at that point, then Executive Director Debi Lydic and her staff, began seeing God work in their lives.  First, they felt called to begin preparing leaders for possible expansion even though there were no plans on the drawing board.  Then, God created the opportunity to establish a second center in September 2002.  One obstacle after another was overcome to open that location in a record 30 days!  This new east center opened with an enrollment of 45 children and grew to serve over 100 children.*

Believing that God was compelling the staff and administration of Handprints to open a center in the southern part of the city, Handprints South was opened in March 2004.  This Center provides a full, five-day program for children ages 3 ½ to 5 years and focuses on kindergarten readiness.  A fourth center, Handprints Academy Place, opened in January 2006 and provides early education services including infant/toddler care, pre-school, pre-kindergarten and a Lion’s Pride Kids Klub (school-age childcare).  Handprints Academy Place serves approximately 95 children.  Our newest center, Handprints Briargate opened in August 2006 and offers pre-school, pre-kindergarten, childcare services and a Lion’s Pride Kids Klub (school-age childcare).  Handprints Briargate is located on the northern side of Colorado Springs and has a growing enrollment.

Because of the expansion of these early education programs, the CSCS leadership team and the CSCS Board of Directors made the decision in August 2003 to create a separate organization for our early education programs.  The organization was named Handprints Early Education Centers, Inc. and operates as an affiliate of CSCS.  Dr. Roland DeRenzo is the President of the organization which adopted the mission statement of “reaching the world through the heart of a child.”   Mrs. Robin Stephenson joined our team in August 2007 as Leadership Consultant for Handprints, Inc.  Mrs. Diana Miller and Mrs. Tami Threats are continuing their faithful work as co-coordinators of the Leadership Team.  There are many exciting days ahead for the Handprints staff and students as God continues to honor the faithfulness of a team who has prayed and continues to pray fervently for His leading in all avenues of ministry.

*This center has since been closed but plans are to open a new center in the eastern part of the city in the near future.

Corporate Office: 4855 Mallow Rd., Colorado Springs, CO  80907
Telephone:  (719) 268-5421 Message Line
Billing Questions:  (719) 599-3553 ext. 5429
Office of the President:  (719) 268-2141

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