Confluence Early Childhood Special District
WHY DO WE NEED THIS?
High-quality early childhood programs are essential for a child’s future success.
Access to childcare supports parents in the workforce, allows them to stay local and raise their families here, and ultimately results in a stronger, more vibrant community
Yet we’re facing a dramatic shortage of these programs throughout the region.
Parachute to Aspen Region
Home to 5,100+ Kids Under 5 Years of Age
77 Licensed Providers
2,272 Licensed Spots (staffed)*
*Fall 2024 Licensed Provider Survey
~2,850 Kids Don’t Have A Spot Available
We are only able to serve 44% of kids
The cost of early education programs is a significant burden on families
WHY A SPECIAL DISTRICT?
- A coordinated, regional approach to expanding access to early care and education programs will ensure better academic and life outcomes for children throughout the region.
- We can support working families by ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of safe, reliable early care and education programs up and down the river valleys.
- Existing economic factors drive people to live and work throughout the region; a coordinated approach will better support the regional workforce.
WHAT WOULD DISTRICT FUNDING BE USED FOR?
- Financial support (subsidies) for early care and education programs to improve affordability for families and cover the gap between the cost of care and what families can pay
- Early care and education program capacity building and quality improvement, including improved wages and training to better recruit, educate and retain our childcare workforce.
- Early care and education outreach, navigation & assistance services for families
- Administration and evaluation to ensure the programs are working.
HOW IS A SPECIAL DISTRICT FORMED AND FUNDED?
The County Commissioners of all three counties involved in the proposed district (Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle) would have to approve the district service plan and forward it onto voters for approval at a November election.
We are proposing a 0.25% (25 cents on a $100 purchase) sales tax increase to fund the district. The following items would be exempted from the tax:
- Food for home consumption
- Medicine and medical equipment
- Diapers and feminine hygiene supplies
WHO OVERSEES THE SPECIAL DISTRICT IF THE VOTERS APPROVE IT?
On the November ballot, when voters are asked to approve the district, they will also elect 5 people to the Board of Directors.
Each of the individuals elected must reside in the area they are elected to represent, as depicted on the map.
