COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Effective today, November 6, 2024, El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) will implement an enrollment freeze for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which provides childcare subsidies for eligible low-income families. The freeze results from reduced CCCAP funding allocations and increased costs due to state-mandated provider rate adjustments, creating financial challenges for counties across Colorado, including El Paso.
The enrollment freeze will temporarily prevent new eligible families from joining CCCAP. Applications will still be accepted and screened to track demand, but full eligibility determinations and enrollment for new applicants will be deferred until the freeze is lifted. Families currently enrolled in CCCAP who maintain eligibility will not be affected.
“This enrollment freeze is necessary to ensure the program can continue serving families already enrolled within our budget constraints,” said Andrew Bunn, Deputy Executive Director of El Paso County Department of Human Services. “We recognize the importance of CCCAP for families in our community and will work to minimize the impact on those who rely on this program.”
Several other Colorado counties have recently implemented similar freezes or waitlists for CCCAP due to these financial constraints. El Paso County DHS will continue documenting the demand for childcare assistance to understand the scope of unmet needs and to inform future planning. Once the freeze is lifted, priority will be given to vulnerable populations, including families experiencing homelessness and children with additional care needs.
Families affected by the CCCAP freeze can seek additional resources through programs such as SNAP and LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) and local childcare support agencies. For further information and guidance on available programs, families may contact El Paso County DHS or visit www.ElPasoCo.com.