Warren Klug reads to preschoolers at Yellow Brick in Aspen in 2018 as part of a program supported by Kids First.
Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times file photo
Child care in Pitkin County is not a cheap business, but with the help of Kids First, parents with children under the age of 5 can qualify for financial assistance for their children’s enrollment.
Kids First is a tax-funded department of the City of Aspen that serves children whose families live or work in the urban development areas of Pitkin County. This map can be found on page 9 of this document: pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/1798/Pitkin-County-Zone-Districts-PDF.
Kids First serves families making between 270-600% of the poverty level, which is how Colorado’s Child Care Assistance Program for Families (CCAP) can provide assistance to families. Families who already receive financial assistance do not need to apply, but new families must apply by August 1. Applications must include last year’s tax return and W2, pay stubs, documentation that the parents have read Kids First’s policies, and proof of the child’s birth certificate.
Kids First pays financial assistance directly to the 13 licensed child care providers in Pitkin County. Your child must already be enrolled in the program to calculate costs and financial assistance. There is a calculator on the website to see if you qualify for the program. If you think you may be eligible, please contact kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov.
More information can also be found at: aspen.gov/235/Kids-First.
