Changes to the Boulder County Child Care Assistance Program
On March 1, we’ll be moving to an enrollment freeze for new applications.
During the pandemic, an influx of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funding allowed us to provide quality child care to the maximum number of children in Boulder County. Unfortunately, that funding is now ending, and we’ve been forced to reevaluate our budget.
We've deemed the following actions essential:
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Enrollment Freeze: Starting March 1, 2024, we're shifting from processing applications to screening for eligibility. This means that while we will accept and screen applications, we will not enroll any new children until the freeze is lifted.
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Policy Adjustment: Depending on continued spending levels, Boulder County CCAP may reduce our absence and holiday policy.
We’re making this difficult decision for several reasons:
- Since 2018, Boulder County has consistently spent 50% more than the state allocated funding for CCAP.
- Private childcare costs have escalated.
- State costs have increased to try to keep up with private childcare expenses, while the state allocation has not been able to meet the demand.
- Only a small number of children age out of the program each month or leave for other reasons.
- We want to ensure CCAP is in a good financial position to serve Boulder County in 2025 and beyond.
As mandated by governing regulations, exception will be made for the following families during the freeze:
The freeze will remain until the budget is balanced - we will continue to look at different funding opportunities as they arise. Once the freeze is removed, we'll sustain stable CCAP slots and prioritize populations for enrollment as funding allows.
To apply or learn about other programs families might qualify for, visit Colorado.gov/PEAK. Please also remind current CCAP families about the importance of returning their recertification paperwork on-time so that no child loses their current spot.
If you have questions about CCAP or the enrollment freeze, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ccapbilling@bouldercounty.gov.
Community Partner Call
The Department of Housing and Human Services will be hosting a Community Partner Call on February 28, from 9:30 - 11:00 am to discuss the department's overall budget, to include CCAP. Click here to join the meeting.
ATS Support Sessions
Thank you to everyone who took time to reply to our survey back in October. We look forward to the requested virtual ATS drop-in support sessions.
Please click here to be added to next session's invitation.
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