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Child care can cost more than rent or college tuition, but early childhood teachers are some of the lowest-paid professionals. So, where does all that money go? We invite you to check out the CostofChildCare.org, a free tool designed by the Center for American Progress that allows you to build your own child care program with an interactive dashboard that helps shed light on the true cost of high-quality child care.
Paying for Child Care
It can be challenging to find child care that meets a family’s needs as well as their budget, but the Early Childhood Council can help. We help families understand their options and can connect them with the financial resources that may help them pay for child care.​
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The cost of child care varies depending on the type of care, the age of the child, the number of hours needed, and the program selected. To help families estimate what they can expect to pay for child care, ECCLC regularly creates a report of the Average Cost of Care in Larimer County. This report is based on a survey of child care providers’ rates in Larimer County and is updated annually.
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Public Benefits
Larimer County Department of Human Services is thrilled to provide MyFriendBen, a free tool for community members to anonymously determine eligibility for a huge variety of public benefits, including the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). The online screener process takes approximately 6 minutes to complete.
Most people who use MyFriendBen find about $1,500 in monthly benefits and tax credits they are likely eligible for, including:
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Child care and preschool assistance (CCCAP)
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Housing and utility assistance
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Train and bus discounts
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Help with heating bills
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Disability benefits
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Food assistance
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Free or low-cost health insurance
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Diapers and baby supplies
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Food and groceries
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Birth control
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Dental care
Larimer Child Care Fund (LCCF)
A partnership between ECCLC and United Way of Larimer County (UWLC), the Larimer Child Care Fund (LCCF) is a scholarship program that helps low- and moderate-income families afford high quality care for their children at the licensed providers of their choice. The fund is structured to complement the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), by providing scholarship assistance to families that are ineligible for CCCAP. Scholarship dollars are available to all families, regardless of immigration status. Please reach out to the Larimer Child Care Fund team at LCCF@ecclc.org
Universal Preschool Colorado
All children in Colorado can apply for up to 15 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool in their year before kindergarten through Colorado’s Universal Preschool program. See more information in the Universal Preschool Guide for Families.
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Families may qualify for more free hours based on a number of qualifying factors, per available funding. See more information here.
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Depending on the provider, families have the option of paying for additional hours if desired.
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Families of 3-year-olds should contact their school district for preschool services.
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Preschool-aged children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should contact their Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) before registering.
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WomenGive
WomenGive, a program of United Way of Larimer County, provides support and financial assistance through child care scholarships to single mothers pursuing postsecondary education. WomenGive helps families achieve self-sufficiency allowing them to focus on their studies, knowing their children are receiving high-quality care in a safe environment.
Scholarships are available three times a year to new and returning applicants during fall, spring, and summer semesters. The scholarships are paid directly to the provider and cover the cost of direct care services per child during the time the student (mother) is enrolled in classes.
Our WomenGive Program Coordinator supports WomenGive scholarship recipients through the online application process and navigating Emergency Assistance funding available one time per semester.
EVICS Tuition Assistance
EVICS Family Resource Center is dedicated to helping families access affordable, high-quality childcare in Estes Park. They understand the financial challenges many parents face, and their Tuition Assistance Program is designed to bridge the gap while families apply for long-term solutions such as the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
If a child does not qualify for CCCAP or other assistance programs, EVICS may provide continued tuition support based on funding availability and family need. Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to stable, quality early childhood education, regardless of financial barriers.
CCAMPIS Program at CSU
The CCAMPIS Program offers financial assistance to income-eligible CSU student parents through financial support for on-campus child care services at the CSU Early Childhood Center or at Sunshine House at CSU.
If you are a student parent with a child enrolled at the CSU Early Childhood Center or Sunshine House at CSU, you may be eligible for child care tuition assistance. Please note that CCAMPIS funds are very limited and fewer than 25% of the student parents who apply receive CCAMPIS funding.
Eligibility for CCAMPIS funds does not guarantee space at the CSU Early Childhood Center or Sunshine House at CSU. Contact each program directly for information on enrollment processes and space availability.