Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

Your county may have a waiting list or may have frozen new CCCAP enrollments. See the list of counties  currently on a waiting list or enrollment freeze.

Colorado CCAP is available for children under age 13 or up to age 18 for children with special needs whose parent is employed or enrolled in Colorado Works.

Once accepted into the program, parents are expected to contribute a portion of their child care costs based on the size of the family, the amount of their income, and the number of children in care.

In Colorado, CCAP income limits and eligibility requirements do vary by county , with each county setting its own thresholds and benefit levels, but all counties must at least provide assistance to families with income at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Colorado?

Each county sets its own income limits for child care assistance. For example, Boulder County sets eligibility at 85% of State Median Income (SMI), which is about $8,256 for a family of three, while Jefferson County uses an income limit of 225% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

How much is the parent fee for CCCAP in Colorado?

Families pay a sliding-scale copay, also called the parent fee, set by the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Colorado uses a marginal-rate formula, so the copay rises gradually as your income rises instead of jumping sharply.¹ Your county will tell you your copay when it approves your case.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Colorado?

Each of Colorado’s 64 counties manages its own local CCCAP program. If you are a resident of Colorado in need of child care, you may appy in person at your County’s Social Services/Human Services office or apply online through Colorado PEAK .

Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Office of Early Childhood
(800) 799-5876

For local referrals to licensed child care providers

Colorado Shines 
Child Care Referral Line
(877) 338-2273