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 know their options and can connect them with the financial resources that may help them pay for child care.
Average Cost of Care
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.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is administered through the Larimer County Department of Human Services for Larimer County residents. The program provides financial assistance for child care to families who meet the eligibility and income requirements.
To receive an application or if you have questions, please call (970) 498-6300.
For more information or to download the CCAP Waitlist Pre-eligibility Questionnaire, visit the Larimer County CCCAP website.
Tuition Scholarships
Child Care Assistance Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS)
Undergraduate and graduate student parents enrolled at CSU in Fort Collins that meet income eligibility requirements may be eligible for child care tuition assistance at the CSU Early Childhood Center or at Sunshine House at CSU. Contact each program directly for information on enrollment processes and space availability. Eligibility for CCAMPIS does not guarantee space at Sunshine House or the Early Childhood Center. Go to https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/ccampis/ to fill out the CCAMPIS online.
Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS)
Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) offers child care tuition scholarships for residents of the Estes Valley who are not eligible for CCCAP. For more information call the EVICS office at 970-586-3055.
WomenGive
WomenGive, a leadership initiative of United Way of Larimer County in partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, offers child care tuition scholarships to single parents continuing their education. For more information, email [email protected] or call 970-407-7035.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Tax Credits Help Striving Families Become Thriving Families
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that helps low-income working families help themselves. It rewards low- and moderate-income families for their hard work and helps them close the gap between what they earn and what they need to get by and get ahead.
Too many eligible families miss out because they are not aware that they could benefit.
There’s a free statewide hotline that you can call to learn how you can get these tax benefits and how to keep more of your refund by saving on tax preparation fees—even getting your tax return done for free! For more information, dial 2-1-1 (it’s a free call) or visit the Piton Foundation website.