Our vision is that all families have access to high-quality infant, toddler and preschool care in Boulder County.

 

Our mission is to provide and promote the best possible early childhood care and education opportunities that are both affordable and accessible to low-income working families.

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An industry leader in Early Childhood Education (ECE). 

  • 1917 Civic Committee of the Woman’s Club of Boulder voted to establish Boulder Day Nursery

  • 1918 First location, 1321 Walnut St.

  • 1919 Second location, 1603 Walnut St.

  • 1929 City Council voted to lease corner of Hannah Barker Park to the Boulder Day Nursery Association

  • 1929 Ground breaking ceremony for 15th and Spruce St. location

  • 1930 Building at 1518 Spruce St. completed

  • 1934 Boulder Day Nursery hosts center for state-wide training of child care providers

  • 1955 Licensed by State of Colorado Department of Public Welfare

  • 1974 Boulder Day Nursery is one of the sites where the Storybook Journey curriculum is developed

  • 1978 Boulder Day Nursery is featured on Mork and Mindy as the employer of Robin Williams' character, Mork

  • 1989 Boulder Day Nursery assumed operation of 1st infant care center in Boulder

  • 1992 Boulder Day Nursery was the first center in Boulder to become accredited by the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC)

  • 2002 Completed renovation of 1518 Spruce St.

  • 2007 House Bill 1062 established and funded the Early Childhood Council, of which Boulder Day Nursery was one of the founding members

  • 2017 Rebrand: Boulder Day Nursery becomes BDN

  • 2017 BDN turns 100 years old, Boulder’s oldest nonprofit

 
 

Impacts

 

13%: Economic ROI of High-Quality Education from Birth to 5 Years. 

16% of children under 5 in Boulder County live below poverty level

About 70% of BDN families receive tuition assistance.

 
 
 

Our Building

 

 
 

BDN is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Boulder. Since 1929, our historic building has been perfectly situated alongside Barker Park, offering children daily access to nature and outdoor play. When it’s time for field trips and exploration, the Pearl Street Mall is just one block away. Our thoughtfully designed classrooms support seamless growth and advancement, featuring windows and doors between all four classrooms to encourage connection and smooth transitions as children learn and develop.

 
 

Advocating for Quality in
Early Childhood Education

In addition to providing exceptional childcare, BDN works to elevate the Early Childhood Education sector by working on legislation at the state level, partnering with city and county government, and educating parents with young children. To learn more about what constitutes high-quality care, and how to improve the system for all families, visit our "Family Education" page.

Advocacy
 
 
 

We're honored to work with the following organizations to support children and families in Boulder County.

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This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider. 

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider. 

Early Childhood Council of Boulder County
Boulder Valley School District
Healthy Start Child Care Health Consulting
Sister Carmen Community Center
Friends School
Naropa University
University of Colorado
Mental Health Center of Boulder County

Foothills United Way
Head Start
St. Vrain School District
Colorado Department of Education
Child Find
Emergency Family Assistance Association
Boulder Journey School
Front Range Community College

 

BDN News Coverage