FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Armed with colored safety scissors, children helped cut the ceremonial red ribbon April 19 outside building 2765, officially opening the Fort Carson Head Start Center.

"Every Soldier will tell you … they want to make sure their kid is cared for," said Col. Robert F. McLaughlin, garrison commander, during the ceremony. "This building accomplishes that. … This building is definitely special."

Part of the Community Partnership for Child Development in El Paso County, the Fort Carson Head Start Center provides early childhood education classes for 3- to 5-year-olds and also provides a therapeutic preschool program for young children experiencing severe behavioral challenges.

Founded in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Head Start programs typically serve low-income families, ensuring their children have the cognitive, social and emotional skill sets to start school, according to the organization's website. The federal program also provides comprehensive services including health, nutrition and social services.

Although Head Start programs exist nationwide, the opening of the Fort Carson center marks the second Head Start Center to open on a military installation.

Terrance McWilliams, a Head Start alumnus and member of the CPCD board of directors, traveled to Fort Carson for the opening.

"Early child development is important," he said. "Many children do not have basic skill sets to enter the third grade. … This program assures military children are not at a disadvantage because their parents chose to serve. These kids are hooah. These kids are remarkable."

Ashley Harris, a parent with two children in the Head Start program, said the classes have been invaluable. Harris said that her children struggled when her husband deployed.

"They did not understand why he was gone for so long," she said. "My children were having a lot of behavioral issues. The teachers were an amazing source of support. They gave me resources and made extra home visits. Never have I been involved with a program that goes above and beyond like that. I was beyond grateful."

Harris said that her children love going to school.

"Everyone is incredible," she said. "The teachers, the family advocates, the bus drivers and even the office staff, they are truly there for the kids."

The CPCD Fort Carson Head Start Center currently serves 107 children, with room to serve 34 more. According to the center's fact sheet, 80 percent of the children in the program have a parent serving in the military.