Bipartisan Push in Colorado Legislature Signals Brighter Future for Child Care Providers

January 2026 – In a refreshing display of cross-party collaboration, a dedicated group of Colorado legislators is championing two complementary bills aimed at strengthening the state's child care and early childhood education sector. Senate Bills 26-019 and 26-020, introduced on January 14, 2026, represent a proactive effort to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, improve infrastructure, and enhance support for child care providers across the state.

Leading this initiative are Senator Matt Ball (R) and Senator Scott Bright (R) as primary Senate sponsors, joined by Representative Emily Sirota (D) as the lead House sponsor. This bipartisan trio is working together to address longstanding challenges in the industry, from licensing delays to fragmented local systems, demonstrating that support for Colorado's child care providers can transcend party lines.

Key Legislation and Tangible Benefits

SB 26-020: Child Care Provider Licensing & Quality focuses on streamlining the licensing process and elevating quality standards. Key supportive measures include:

• Expansion of a centralized digital file system by the Department of Early Childhood, integrating provider records, staff background checks, and policy documents for easier access and standardized management—reducing administrative burdens on providers.
• Shift toward trained department personnel for inspections and investigations, phasing out reliance on third-party contractors where feasible, with standardized training protocols to ensure consistency and reliability.
• Provisional licensing for up to 9 months for facilities meeting state standards but facing local zoning or land-use delays, allowing providers to open sooner while disputes are resolved.
• Requirements for local governments to prioritize approvals for provisionally licensed facilities, complete processes within 9 months, and limit or exempt associated fees—directly easing financial and timing barriers for new and expanding child care centers and family child care homes.
• Creation of a dedicated task force to study and recommend further improvements to the licensure and quality system while ensuring safety for children, with a report due by January 2027.

SB 26-019: Early Childhood Local System Consolidation consolidates and enhances local infrastructure by transferring responsibilities from local coordinating organizations to early childhood councils, effective July 1, 2026. This bill provides concrete support through:

• Expanded council responsibilities to build comprehensive early childhood systems, including coordinated outreach, provider recruitment, and promotion of family choice in a mixed delivery model.
• Mandated support for workforce recruitment, retention, and training, addressing one of the industry's biggest pain points by helping providers attract and keep qualified educators.
• Strategic planning and accountability measures, requiring councils to develop community-aligned plans with the Department of Early Childhood, including metrics for increasing high-quality program availability and integrated family services.
• Enhanced department oversight and funding coordination, with training, technical assistance, and performance reviews to ensure efficient use of resources and continuous improvement in access and quality.

Together, these bills tackle regulatory inefficiencies, bolster workforce stability, and prioritize provider needs—delivering real, on-the-ground relief that could expand child care capacity and improve services for Colorado families.

Both measures are currently under consideration in the Senate Education Committee, with hearings scheduled for early February 2026. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to investing in early childhood education as a foundation for Colorado's future. Child care providers and advocates have reason to be optimistic: meaningful change is on the horizon.

CCCAP (CO Child Care Assistance Program) Funding

Additionally, legislators are searching for short term and long term solutions to stabilize and strengthen the CCCAP system statewide in Colorado.  More details on that as the legislative session progresses.  

This vital advocacy—tracking bills, building coalitions, and pushing for provider-friendly policies—is powered by the commitment of our members. Your dues and involvement enable us to amplify your voice at the Capitol, support bipartisan champions, and drive real change for the child care industry.

To make a difference and help secure a stronger future for providers, educators, and families across Colorado, join or renew your membership today. Together, we're building the momentum needed to win these fights. Be part of the solution—get involved now!

For industry and membership details, visit www.coloradoecea.org or contact us at [email protected] or 303-860-7174. Stay tuned for updates as the session unfolds.

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