Supporting Child Care Programs and Professionals

Child care programs – and the professionals who work in them – are essential to Colorado’s success. That’s why the State of Colorado invested $271 million of federal stimulus funds to support child care programs and providers statewide and to make quality child care easier to access and afford for Colorado families.

Become Licensed to Provide Child Care

Financial bonuses are available to support more providers to get their child care license.

Unlicensed child care providers who become newly licensed can receive a one-time $5,000 payment. Unlicensed providers who become CCCAP qualified exempt can receive $500.

Deadline to apply is June 30, 2023.

Quality Improvement Incentive for Licensed Child Care Programs

Programs that increase their Colorado Shines quality rating from a Level 1 to a Level 2 or from a Level 2 to Level 3-5 can apply for this bonus payment.

Scholarships and Free ECE Coursework

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Child Development Associate (CDA) Scholarships

The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and helps professionals advance their careers. Scholarships are available for both new CDA candidates and renewal candidates.
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Free ECE 101 and 103 Coursework

Professionals who want to start their careers in early childhood can enroll in ECE 101 and 103 for free. These courses help professionals meet minimum child care licensing qualifications for Early Childhood Teachers.

Apply for All the Opportunities You Can

Programs are encouraged to apply to all available grants and incentives for which they are eligible. These opportunities are new funding that comes on top of current state funding. This new funding does not replace any existing funding or subsidies.