Child Care Assistance
NOTICE
*Rio Grande County is currently on an enrollment freeze effective April 1, 2025. During the enrollment freeze period, the abbreviated application available below will be accepted which enables us to track your interest in participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
The income and resource questions on this form do not need to be verified during the freeze, your self-attested answers will suffice.
We will date stamp your Enrollment Freeze Application and file it so that we can pull your application in chronological order when contacting you.
You will receive an Enrollment Freeze Redetermination every 12 months from the date of your application for the duration of the enrollment freeze. If you are still interested in participating in CCCAP, you will need to complete the redetermination form and return it to us within the pre-determined due dates to remain on the enrollment freeze list.
Once the freeze is lifted we will contact you to see if you are still interested in participating in the CCCAP program if we have a current Enrollment Freeze Application on file.
Child Welfare CCCAP are not subject to the enrollment freeze.
If you have questions regarding the freeze please feel free to contact the following individual:
Wendy Barela-Sierra
719-657-3381 ext. 1108
CCCAP
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps families that are homeless, working, searching for work or in school find low-income child care assistance. Families that are enrolled in the Colorado Works Program can also use CCCAP services.
Each county's Department of Social/Human Services and the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Division of Early Care and Learning manage the CCCAP program. Each county sets eligibility requirements for families, but must help families that have an income of 185% or less of the federal poverty guideline. Counties will not serve families that have an income over 85% of the state median income. As of July 1, 2023, cooperation with Child Support Services is no longer required to be eligible for CCCAP in any county.
You can apply for CCCAP online, by mail or by contacting your county's department of human/social services. If you are using the paper application, you must submit it to your county department of human/social services in person or by mail.
Employment information
When you first apply for low-income child care assistance, your child care worker may contact your employer by phone to verify hours and wages. You have 30 days to give written verification of your employment or education program. If verification is not completed, you will not receive benefits. Let your child care worker know immediately if you cannot get the verification information.
Selecting a child care provider
You are responsible for selecting a child care provider for your children. You can select a licensed child care center, a licensed family child care home, or a friend, neighbor or relative caretaker. You will have to decide the type of care that is best for your children and meets your family's needs. When choosing a provider, look for signs that your child will be safe, comfortable, and encouraged to grow and learn. The Colorado Shines child care search identifies licensed providers that accept CCCAP and provides helpful tips to find child care.
Before you take your child to your chosen provider, you need to contact your county department of human/social services so they can authorize care. They will need the name, address and phone number of the provider along with whether or not they are licensed. Failure to notify the county may require you to pay the provider directly for any child care costs incurred.
Notifying the county of changes
While in the low-income child care program, you must notify your county department of human/social services of any change in your eligibility activity within four weeks of the change. You must also notify the county if your income is greater than the maximum allowed amount of 85% of the State Median Income. If your children need a child care schedule change, you must also report this to the county.
Completing your low-income redetermination
Every 12 months, you will be sent a Redetermination of Eligibility Form. The county department of human/social services uses this information to determine if you still meet the eligibility requirements of the program. You must turn in the signed form along with supporting verification, such as 30 days of paycheck stubs and your work schedule, in the time specified or your child care benefits will end.
Other child care assistance programs
Work with your Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) technician to receive Colorado Works child care assistance.
Work with your Child Welfare worker to receive child welfare child care assistance.