DENVER (Jan. 11, 2021) — The Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood has announced the creation of two grant programs to support child care providers across the state. During the special legislative session called by Gov. Jared Polis in November 2020, child care was recognized for the critical role it plays in supporting Colorado’s economy. Out of this recognition, the governor signed House Bill 20B-1002, which will provide grants to child care providers beginning in late February.
The first of these programs is the Child Care Relief Grant Program, which will provide approximately $35 million to licensed child care providers to support their businesses. All child care providers who are open and operating or report planning to reopen by Feb. 28 are eligible to receive this funding.
“The Child Care Relief Grant Program will provide much-needed support to child care providers across Colorado, who have given incredible support to families during the pandemic,” said Mary Alice Cohen, director of the Office of Early Childhood. “Despite the vital role they play in our economy, child care businesses have suffered in the pandemic. This funding will help providers keep their doors open, and ensure families do not lose their child care.”
Grants may be no less than $500 and no more than $35,000 per provider site, with grant amounts determined by a provider’s licensed capacity and quality level. The grants are not competitive; all providers who are eligible and complete the grant application process in full will receive funding.
Child care providers must update their operating status as “open” or provide their planned reopening date with the Office of Early Childhood no later than Jan. 15 to begin the grant application process. More information on the grant application process is available here.
An additional $10 million will be available later this year through the second grant program created through HB 20B-1002, the Emerging and Expanding Child Care Grant Program. This program will help licensed child care businesses start up and expand their businesses, providing more available child care to Colorado families.
For individual assistance with questions, please contact the Office of Early Childhood at cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us.
The resources below are available for families searching for licensed child care:
- Colorado Shines online search
- Call (toll-free) 1-877-338-CARE (2273)
- Email childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org
- Text "child care referrals" to 898-211
- Complete the child care online intake form
- Chat with a navigator
- More information on child care in local areas can also be accessed through local Early Childhood Councils.
Media contact:
Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications
madlynn.ruble@state.co.us
303.866.3411