Press Release
Kids First updates financial aid parameters to expand eligibility for families
to qualify for financial aid
Applications due Nov. 1 with assistance beginning Dec. 1
Aspen, CO – Kids First, a city of Aspen early childhood resource center supporting quality, affordable childcare in Aspen and Pitkin County, announces updated income and cost guidelines for its financial aid program. Families who did not previously qualify may now be eligible.
This decision comes following an Aspen City Council work session on Aug. 18, 2025. Council voted to allocate more budget to providing financial assistance to local families, as part of its 2025–2027 goal of early childhood education programmatic enhancement and optimization. The financial aid changes will be tested over a six-month pilot period, enabling staff to assess success and the number of additional families supported.
Program updates include:
- Expanded financial aid eligibility: Families earning up to 750% of the federal poverty level can now qualify.
- Reduced family childcare costs: Childcare costs capped at 18% of household income for qualified families, with the lowest-income families paying as little as 7% of household income.
- Gradual contribution increments: Adjusted financial aid structure to smooth transitions between income levels and reduce sudden increases in family contributions.
"We are very grateful for the support from Aspen City Council,” said Kids First Co-Manager Nancy Nichols. “This allows us to expand our financial aid program and help more families access this valuable community resource."
The online application is now open and is due by Nov. 1. Only new families need to apply; current families receiving assistance will have their funding amounts adjusted to align with the new guidelines.
To qualify, applicants must live and work within the Aspen urban growth boundary and provide a verifiable street address in the city of Aspen.
To apply or learn more, visit aspen.gov/316/Financial-Aid.
To view the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary map, visit: mapaspen-cityofaspen.com
For questions regarding applying, call Nancy Nichols at (970) 920-5372 or email kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov.
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For more information please contact:
Nancy Nichols, Kids First co-manager
Phone: 970-920-5372
Email: nancy.nichols@aspen.gov
Madie Bailey, communications coordinator
Phone: 970-309-1569
Email: madie.bailey@aspen.gov
