Enrollment Freeze to Child Care Assistance Program Effective Immediately

The Larimer County Department of Human Services has implemented an immediate enrollment freeze for its Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP or CCAP). Prospective applicants are directed to continue submitting applications through the Colorado Peak website. The department will still accept and screen applications, but a full eligibility review will be postponed until the freeze is lifted.

The decision to enact an enrollment freeze is attributed to a lack of funds, a common measure when budget constraints impact a program. Despite an annual budget infusion of $1.7M from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) since 2021, these funds, used to provide quality child care during the public health emergency, will no longer be available for Larimer County and surrounding areas from the state fiscal year 2024-25 onwards. Budget projections anticipate an $800,000 overspend for the state fiscal year 2023-24, necessitating the implementation of the enrollment freeze policy to restore budget balance.

Current CCAP families will remain on the program, provided that they continue to meet eligibility criteria. Exceptions are made for families in child welfare or the Colorado Works program, ensuring their eligibility determination and potential inclusion in the program if qualified.

“Unfortunately, there is insufficient state and federal funding to serve all families that are eligible. We have seen a significant increase in the number of children served and our focus during this unfortunate enrollment freeze is to continue to provide access to quality child care through prioritizing families who are current CCAP clients,” stated Heather O’Hayre, Director of Larimer County Human Services. 

For more information, visit the CCAP webpage on the Human Services website or call 970-498-6300.