Politics Matter More Than We Want to Admit

I’ll be honest—I’ve spent most of my career actively avoiding politics. The endless divisiveness, the shouting matches, the way it pits people against each other.  I also never enjoyed the behind-the-scenes calculations: wondering which rooms I should try to get into, which meetings our presence might be “pushing too hard” in, or how direct I could be without burning bridges. I’ve always believed the best approach is simple transparency—stating our industry’s real needs clearly and respectfully, without games or posturing.  It all felt ugly and irrelevant to the real work we support you in doing: nurturing children, supporting families, and building brighter futures one day at a time.

Politics in reality aren’t just background noise or partisan games. They are the actual mechanisms—the laws, budgets, taxes, fees, and regulations—that make our systems run (or grind to a halt). Political decisions determine funding for subsidies, reimbursement rates, staffing requirements, and even how much families have left in their wallets after paying bills.

When those mechanisms work with common sense and collaboration, children and providers thrive. But extreme politics, gridlock, or misguided priorities undermine everything—time and time again.

Here in Colorado, the reality hits especially hard. Families are struggling mightily with child care affordability. Average annual costs for infant care often exceed $15,000–$21,000, and in many areas, monthly rates top $1,500–$1,600 per child—frequently more than rent or a mortgage payment. Counties across the state have implemented waitlists or freezes on assistance programs, leaving parents desperate and providers stretched thin.

At the same time, many families feel squeezed by rising costs driven by state decisions. Colorado’s extensive system of fees (separate from taxes) adds significant burdens to households and businesses—if those fees were instead covered by the income tax, rates would need to jump over 40% to compensate. Layer on new regulations and revenue measures, and it’s no wonder people feel under attack from their own government. If families weren’t facing these constant financial pressures, more of them might actually be able to afford quality child care without sacrificing essentials.

This isn’t abstract. It’s the daily reality for the parents dropping off their kids at our doors—and for providers trying to keep their programs sustainable.

I get it: If politics still makes you uncomfortable, the idea of jumping into the fray sounds exhausting. But that’s exactly why child care businesses need strong representation. Join the Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado (ECEA). As the state’s only trade association for licensed child care programs, ECEA is in the rooms where decisions happen. We attend legislative sessions, track every bill, elevate provider and family needs, and advocate relentlessly for practical solutions that reduce burdens—not add them.

ECEA ensures your voice is heard, even if you’d rather stay focused on the children. We fight for lower barriers, better funding, and policies that make child care more accessible and affordable.

Politics make the world go around, whether we like it or not. But together,  we can help steer it in the right direction—for our programs, our families, and Colorado’s kids.

If you’re ready to turn frustration into action, visit www.coloradoecea.org today to learn more and join.

 Join ECEA Today!

Want to catch up on CCCAP and missed last weeks update?  Go to our news tab at www.coloradoecea.org and read last weeks update.

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Members Minute

Member's ONLY content this week

• In depth CCCAP information (there an in our members only update:  Insider's Edge).
• Link to our unique Legislative Tracker
• Save the date - Attorney, Laura Hazen does a Members Support Meeting.  There are things you need to know ASAP to protect your business.--You got an email today about it so RSVP.
• 2025 ECEA Annual Report
• New tool (still alpha testing) for tracking your legislators votes on issues that matter to you.
• Pro members:  Legislative Run down is this Friday at 1 p.m.  We might have a surprise guest!  Email: [email protected] if you need the info!

Do you spend more than $1,380 on job postings in a year?  One program this week was spending $30,000 for one job board.  Now they are posting on TEN job boards and saving $28,620 a year!!  For $115 a month you can be a member of ECEA AND get CareerPlug added to your membership for massive savings! 

                                                      December Data

Average time to interview scheduled: 2.60 days

Time to hire: 16.2 days

 418 applicants, 158 contacted, 80 with interviews scheduled with all but 3% scheduled via autopilot--saving members time & money!

Watch our member demo here.