WHY ACCESSIBLE EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION?

Robust access to early childhood care and education not only benefits our children, it benefits our entire community. Here’s why.

The What and the Why of Early Childhood Care & Education

What is Early Childhood Education?

Activities and programs created for young children to participate in before starting kindergarten, including:

  • Childcare
  • Preschool
  • Community-Based Programs for Children and Their Caregivers

Quality programs and services are offered in many settings:

  • Community-Based Centers
  • In-Home Programs
  • Public, Charter and Private Schools

A CRISIS OF CARE

There simply isn’t enough childcare in our community, and the options that are available are too expensive for working families.

  • There are only enough childcare spots for 43 percent of local kids under age five
  • Families with two young ones are spending about 37 percent of their monthly income on childcare, if they can find it (the U.S. federal government recommends spending 7 percent)
  • Lack of accessible childcare options for working parents leads to over $50 million in lost annual revenue, earnings, and productivity from Parachute to Aspen

THE NEED IS CLEAR

Data shows that the strongest, most sustainable communities find a way to help everyone invest in care and education for their youngest members.

With the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District proposal, we have an opportunity to make sure all kids from Parachute to Aspen have a chance at a bright beginning.

Early Childhood News in Our Region