DPP Leaders Appointed to Denver’s Haynes-Gary Childcare Task Force

Denver Preschool Program is proud to congratulate President and CEO Elsa Holguin and DPP Board Member Lydia Prado on their appointments to Mayor Mike Johnston’s newly established Haynes-Gary Childcare Task Force. The task force brings together leaders from across Denver’s early childhood, business, education and nonprofit sectors to develop recommendations that support a pathway to accessible, affordable universal childcare for all Denver families. Mayor Johnston announced the task force as part of his State of the City address on July 21, 2026. 

Named in honor of lifelong youth advocates Anna Jo Garcia Haynes and Nancy Gary, the Haynes-Gary Childcare Task Force recognizes two trailblazers whose leadership has helped shape Denver’s early childhood landscape. In 2023, DPP honored Anna Jo Garcia Haynes with the Denver Preschool Program Legacy Award in recognition of her leadership and lasting impact on Denver’s early childhood education community. Through collaboration with families, providers, educators and community leaders, the task force will help develop strategies to expand access to affordable childcare, with recommendations informed by monthly listening sessions throughout Denver.

Holguin and Prado bring decades of leadership and experience in advancing opportunities for young children and families. Their participation on the task force reflects DPP’s ongoing commitment to working alongside community partners to strengthen Denver’s early childhood system and ensure more children have access to early learning experiences in Denver. 

The task force is part of Mayor Johnston’s Childcare for All initiative. To learn more about upcoming community meetings, participate in the community survey, and find opportunities to stay involved, visit denvergov.org/childcareforall.