Childcare

The legislation was designed to help counties lift long-standing enrollment freezes to a government subsidy program that makes childcare more affordable for low-income families.

Lawmakers are trying to find a way to lift enrollment freezes to a government subsidy program that helps low-income families cover the cost of childcare.

Childcare for infants in Colorado can be tough to find – in fact, in some rural communities like Leadville, there are zero licensed childcare slots for infants. Today on In The NoCo: What’s behind the shortage, and how some communities are trying to fix the problem.

Colorado is in a childcare crisis. Around half of families struggle to find care. In rural areas, the shortage can be even worse. But some communities, like Ouray, are finding their way with a new project to close the gap between kids and care.

The families filed the lawsuit in Colorado district court Jan. 13 against The Nest Schools, a national chain that has seven Colorado locations, including one in Centennial.

The federal government is freezing some childcare and food funds to Colorado.

Other local measures designed to send more dollars to child care initiatives were too close to call Tuesday night. Listen to "Morning Edition" host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun reporter Erica Breunlin. The entire article is available at the link below.

New Mexico takes a big step toward universal childcare

A new report from the Common Sense Institute has found that child care costs in some Colorado counties can be equivalent to more than half a week's salary at a minimum wage job, with families spending 18-25% of their monthly income on child care. Boulder County has the best supply of child care seats relative to the number of young children, while Pueblo County has the worst.

Two major child care and early learning centers in Denver are scaling back programs because of financial turmoil, with one center shutting down a building. Listen to Morning Edition host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun Education Reporter Erica Breunlin and then read The Colorado Sun story at the link below.