Aspen’s early childhood resource center expands financial aid eligibility

Kids First, a city of Aspen early childhood resource center supporting quality, affordable childcare in Aspen and Pitkin County, has announced updated income and cost guidelines for its financial aid program.

Families who did not previously qualify could now be eligible, according to a press release.

This decision comes after an Aspen City Council work session on Aug. 18 where Council voted to allocate more budget to providing financial assistance to local families. This was in line with the 2025–2027 goal of early childhood education programmatic enhancement and optimization.

“We are very grateful for the support from Aspen City Council,” said Kids First Co-Manager Nancy Nichols in the release. “This allows us to expand our financial aid program and help more families access this valuable community resource.”

The financial aid updates will be tested over a six-month pilot period in order for staff to assess success and the number of additional families supported.

Program updates will include:

• Expanded financial aid eligibility — Families earning up to 750% of the federal poverty level can now qualify
• Reduced family childcare costs — Childcare costs capped at 18% of household income for qualified families, with the lowest-income families paying as little as 7% of household income
• Gradual contribution increments — Adjusted financial aid structure to smooth transitions between income levels and reduce sudden increases in family contributions

The online application is now open, due by Nov. 1. Only new families need to apply, as current families receiving assistance will have their funding amounts adjusted to align with the new guidelines.

To qualify, applicants must live and work within the Aspen urban growth boundary and provide a verifiable street address in the city of Aspen. To view the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary map, go to mapaspen-cityofaspen.com.

To apply or learn more, visit aspen.gov/316/Financial-Aid. For questions regarding applications, call Nichols at (970) 920-5372 or email kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov.