Contribute to Creating Childcare for our Community

We have a serious shortage of infant childcare spaces.

Since 2020, the state has lost nearly 200 licensed childcare homes each year, resulting in over 7,300 infant spaces lost.

Colorado in general, and our community specifically, faces a shortage of infant childcare. The state is working on a strategic plan, and we are working on local efforts to address this need.

In the past year Kids First has held focus groups and distributed a survey to help determine the details of what is needed. We have shared those results, and work regionally with our partners to advocate for solutions. I hope this is a continuing conversation and that collectively we will work to remove barriers and to advocate at all levels to improve how we provide care to young children and their families. Thank you for your time and comments!

Image of a young boy sitting on stairs with a baby asleep on his lap while he kisses the baby's n

Kids First has exciting opportunities for qualified people to operate early childhood programs. 

Family Childcare Homes

Family home childcare happens when a person gets licensed to care for a few children, often along with their own child, in their home. You may be wondering if this is something you could do, or if your home would meet the requirements. We can begin that conversation. 

The State of Colorado and Kids First are offering start-up funding to help meet the licensing requirements, and we can connect you with experts to answer your questions, and help you consider this stay-at-home business that supports your family, and provides a much needed service to families in our community.

Contact me - 970-920-5363, or megan.monaghan@aspen.gov