Interested in applying for childcare financial aid in Pitkin County? Deadline is Aug. 1

Childcare in Pitkin County is not a cheap enterprise, but with the help of Kids First, parents of children under five could qualify for financial aid toward their child’s enrollment. 

Kids First is a tax-funded department for the city of Aspen, which services the children of families living or working in the urban growth development of Pitkin County, a map of which can be found on page 9 of this document: pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/1798/Pitkin-County-Zone-Districts-PDF.

Kids First serves families who sit at 270-600% of the poverty level, below that which Colorado Child Care Assistance Program For Families (CCAP) can provide support for families. Families who have already been receiving financial aid don’t need to apply; new families must apply by Aug. 1. Complete applications must include the last year’s taxes and W2s, paystubs, a document that proves parents have read Kids First’s policies, and proof of the child’s birth certificate.

Kids First will pay the financial aid directly to the licensed childcare service, of which there are 13 in Pitkin County. The child must already be enrolled in the program for the department to be able to determine the costs and financial aid. It has a calculator on their website on whether or not someone will qualify for their program. They encourage anyone who may be eligible to contact them at kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov

More information can also be found on their website: aspen.gov/235/Kids-First.