To provide quality child care assistance to eligible families in order to support their efforts towards self-sufficiency.
Program Updates as of Oct. 1, 2026
We have started a phased transition of the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program from an enrollment freeze to a waitlist model, as directed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
During Phase One, Larimer County will focus exclusively on families currently on the CCAP freeze list, in alignment with direction from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Larimer County is working with these families to confirm continued interest and need. Those who wish to move forward will be required to submit a full CCAP application, with no guarantee of enrollment, to determine priority status and eligibility.
Enrollment during this phase will be limited and prioritized in accordance with state and federal requirements, for:
- Children of families with household income that is at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Children with additional care needs, as defined in CCCAP rules
- Children experiencing homelessness as defined in CCCAP rules
- Families receiving Colorado Works/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in CCCAP rules
- Children of Teen Parents
All other families will remain on a freeze until additional funding becomes available. Families are still welcome to apply for CCAP but there is currently no timeline for when new applicants will be enrolled.
About
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program provides child care assistance to families who meet the income guidelines, meet current eligibility requirements, and families who are enrolled in the Colorado Works program. CCAP provides access to reduced cost child care at licensed child care facilities or qualified (unlicensed) providers.
If you are interested in applying for the child care assistance, please submit the CCAP Application below and provide all required verification listed. When your application has been processed, you will be contacted by phone or mail.
For help finding a child care provider in Larimer County, visit larimerchildcare.org and view available options.
You can also contact the Mile High United Way Agency Child Care Options at 1-877-338-2273 or https://unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1/
Attendance Tracking System
Please Note: The CCAP Attendance Tracking System (ATS) allows you to record and monitor your child's attendance from your child care provider's computer, tablet, or smartphone using a unique personal identification number and valid email address. The steps below will allow you to utilize the ATS system:
- Step 1: You must provide your child care worker with a valid email address.
- Step 2: Setting a Childcare Attendance PIN: You will receive an ATS Welcome email, once childcare is authorized.
- Step 3: Once you receive the ATS Welcome email, go to: http://www.coloradoshines.com/cochildcare to create a password and 8-digit PIN, within 24 hours of receipt of the email.
- Step 4: You will use the 8-digit PIN to log into the childcare provider's kiosk to check your child(ren) in/out of the provider.
- Training guides and recorded webinars are being posted to the Colorado Office of Early Childhood website, and more materials will be added soon!
