Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Innovative Early Childhood Education Since 1963
Founded in 1963 by Harriet and Garwood Andresen, we have dedicated over six decades to pioneering innovative early childhood education in southeast Denver. Our institution evolved from a small home-based class of six children to a renowned center featuring unique learning environments like Charlie 21, a repurposed DC-7 airplane classroom. Under the leadership of Chas and Helen Andresen, weve expanded programs to include toddler care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and a summer adventure camp serving children up to age 12. Our play-based curriculum emphasizes whole-child development through five core tenets: engagement, safety, health, support, and intellectual challenge.With staff averaging over 25 years of experience, we maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention. Our outdoor learning spaces feature eight age-specific playgrounds, including imaginative environments like a boat on a sandy beach and a mining camp-themed tunnel yard. Weve nurtured multiple generations of families, combining educational innovation with proven developmental practices. Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted community institution where children develop critical thinking, social-emotional skills, and lifelong learning foundations.
Services
Toddlers Program
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Summer Adventure Camp
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We offer a play-based curriculum developed over 60 years of educational innovation
- Our staff averages 25+ years of early childhood education experience
- Unique learning environments include the iconic Charlie 21 airplane classroom
- We maintain a safe, nurturing environment with individualized attention
- Our outdoor classrooms feature eight specialized play spaces for different age groups
What people say
Nurturing environment
Amazing emotional growth
Loved and respected
Community bonds
Lifelong learning foundation
Services
Toddlers Program
Our toddler program nurtures children aged 1-3 in a secure environment that promotes motor, cognitive, and social development. Through structured play and caregiver interactions, we focus on foundational skills like object permanence, language acquisition, and emotional regulation. Teachers adapt environments based on observations, ensuring age-appropriate challenges that support each child's unique developmental journey.
Preschool
For children aged 2-4, our preschool program combines play-based learning with literacy and numeracy foundations. Curriculum includes themed activities covering community helpers, safety, and cultural diversity. We use research-based programs like Building Language for Literacy to develop phonological awareness while fostering social skills through cooperative play and structured group activities.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our pre-kindergarten program prepares 4-5 year olds for academic success through STEAM education and character development. Children engage in phonemic awareness activities using the Letter People program, develop fine motor skills with Handwriting Without Tears, and explore mathematical concepts through Everyday Math. Weekly yoga and creative movement classes support physical and emotional development.
Kindergarten
The unique DC7 airplane classroom provides kindergarten education for 5-6 year olds in a historic United Airlines aircraft. Our play-based curriculum meets Colorado standards through literature exploration, STEM activities, and discovery centers. Children develop reading skills using Reading from A-Z resources while engaging in weekly science experiments led by specialized educators in our distinctive aviation-themed learning environment.
Summer Adventure Camp
Our summer camp serves post-kindergarten through age 12 with field trips, STEM activities, and outdoor adventures. Certified counselors lead weekly excursions to parks and reservoirs, climbing wall sessions, and science experiments. The program emphasizes peer relationships through sports, creative arts, and wilderness exploration while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy.
People
Harriet Andresen
Founder
Co-founded Iliff Preschool in 1963 with her husband Garwood. Pioneered innovative early childhood education methods that shaped the institution's foundational years.
Garwood Andresen
Founder
Co-founder who established Iliff's first classroom with his wife Harriet. Provided initial leadership for the preschool's development over its first 15 years.
Chas Andresen
Director
Current director with engineering expertise who transformed the preschool environment. Designed innovative play spaces and expanded programs to include summer camps for school-age children.
Helen Andresen
Educational Director
Educational leader with 55 years of experience shaping early childhood policies. Developed curriculum frameworks emphasizing social-emotional learning and whole-child development.
Questions
What makes Iliff's kindergarten program unique?
Our kindergarten classroom operates inside a fully restored DC-7 airplane fuselage, providing a distinctive learning environment that combines aviation history with modern educational practices.
How does Iliff incorporate outdoor learning?
We maintain eight age-specific playgrounds featuring natural exploration areas, climbing structures, and themed environments that support motor skills and scientific discovery.
What staff qualifications should I expect?
Our educators average 25+ years of experience with specialized training in early childhood development and regular professional development workshops.
Are summer programs available?
Yes, our Summer Adventure Day Camp includes weekly field trips, STEM activities, and outdoor adventures for children aged 5-12 with certified counselors.
How does Iliff support toddler development?
Toddler programs focus on sensory experiences and motor skills through structured play, language-rich interactions, and caregiver partnerships in a secure environment.
