Senator Brights CCCAP solutions bill is here.  It's SB26-180 .  The bill will provide stabilizing funding in the future but it will take some time before a draw of funds can come.  That does not provide immediate support for CCCAP providers.  It will be in Senate Finance on Thursday, and ECEA will be there to provide testimony.

Here's a summary of recent and ongoing actions that has been taking place to strengthen CCCAP:

1) HB26-1260 would push the family co-pay limit requirements to 7% until 8/1/28.  This delays a cost driver for the CCCAP program.

2) CCCAP rules that are pending make it clear that CDEC supervises the CCCAP program, while counties administer it.  This enables the state to be more proactive in decision making for the program as every counties actions has statewide implications.

3) Still waiting on the waiver of the Bidden era CCCAP requirements waiver.  The state is building the assumption into cost models that the waiver will be approved or those specific rules will be rescinded.  That means those calculations are no longer undermining the projections for CCCAP.

4) Douglas, El Paso, and Montrose are planning to move to waitlists.  They are currently getting state approval.

While all of these things are critical and will make a difference, they will not solve the problem today.

New Members ONLY Resources:

Use this the moment you have to do a referral or are referred to the county for Abuse/Neglect.  BE IN THE KNOW!!

• CO Child Care Provider Adverse Action Guide
• CAMDRS Process Guide

Send Your School District Flyers to ECEA

Can you please help us stay up to date on the school district expansion into child care?  Send flyers to [email protected] 

Marketing to Compete Against School Districts

Here are some things to consider in your marketing messages:

Here's effective messaging for private child care programs in Colorado to counter the expansion of public school-based child care (including through Colorado Universal Preschool and school district programs). The goal is to highlight private programs' strengths—flexibility, personalization, nurturing environments, and true full-day care—while addressing parent priorities like quality, convenience for working families, and child development. Focus on choice, not opposition to public options.

Core Value Proposition

Private programs excel at providing warm,  care that supports their child's social emotional development. With stable relationships, flexible hours, and individualized attention that supports working parents' real needs. Public school expansions often prioritize structured preschool slots (e.g., 10-30 hours/week for 4-year-olds) but fall short for infants/toddlers, full-day coverage, or non-standard schedules. Private centers fill the gap with consistent, year-round care that feels like an extension of family, not institutional schooling.⁠Casaearlylearning

Key Messaging Themes

Use these pillars in websites, emails, social media, flyers, parent tours, and ads. Tailor to your communities' families balancing work, family, and child development.

1. Personalized Attention and Smaller Environments (vs. Larger School Systems)
   • "Your child isn't a number in a crowded classroom. At [Your Center], our low ratios mean teachers truly know your child—their interests, needs, and personality. We nurture curiosity with hands-on learning tailored to each stage, not a one-size-fits-all school schedule."
   • "Public expansions add slots, but often in bigger settings with less individual focus. We offer the intimate, responsive care experts say builds strong emotional foundations in the critical early years."
2. Flexibility for Working Families (Full-Day, Year-Round Care)
   • "Need care from 7 AM to 6 PM—or even earlier/later? We provide reliable full-day, full-year care that matches your work schedule. Many public preschool options cover only part of the day, leaving gaps that force parents to piece together solutions or miss work."
   • "Life doesn't follow a school bell. Our flexible programs support shift workers, varying hours, and last-minute needs—because Colorado families deserve care that works as hard as they do."
3. Holistic, Play-Based Development (Not "Schoolified" Too Early)
   • "We focus on what matters most for young children: play, social skills, emotional growth, and joyful learning. Research shows this builds better long-term outcomes than pushing academics too soon in a formal school setting."
   • "Private programs give teachers the freedom to adapt to your child's unique pace and interests—fostering creativity, resilience, and a love of learning that lasts."
4. Parent Choice and Community Focus
   • "Colorado thrives on choice. Public schools play an important role, but private programs offer diverse philosophies, nurturing environments, and direct parent partnerships. You know your child best—we partner with you every step."
   • "Support local businesses that invest in your community. When you choose private care, you keep quality options vibrant and prevent over-reliance on any single system."
5. Quality and Accountability
   • "We're fully licensed by Colorado's Department of Early Childhood with experienced, passionate educators who chose this field for the joy of working with young children. Many have lower turnover because we value and support our team."
   • "Visit us and see the difference: warmer spaces, more outdoor time, stronger parent communication, and a true sense of belonging."

Sample Ready-to-Use Messaging

Website/Homepage Hero: "Protecting Choice in Colorado Child Care. As public schools expand into early care, [Your Center] remains committed to personalized, flexible, full-day nurturing for your infant, toddler, or preschooler. Smaller groups. Real flexibility. Your child's unique spark celebrated every day. Enroll now—spots filling fast for families who want more than standard hours."

Email/Newsletters to Parents: "Dear [Parent], With public programs claiming 75% of new infrastructure, many families worry about losing options. At [Your Center], we’re doubling down on what you love: responsive care that fits your life, teachers who know your child by name, and environments designed for happy, confident kids. Tour today and see why dedicated private programs remain the trusted choice for working Colorado families."

Social Media Posts (Facebook/Instagram):

• Image of happy kids playing + caption: "School can wait. Right now, your little one needs warmth, play, and individual attention. Private care delivers what large systems often can't. #ChoosePrivateCare #LovelandChildCare"
• "Working in Loveland? We offer full-day coverage so you don't scramble for aftercare. Public preschool is great for some hours—but we’ve got your whole day covered."

Parent Tour Script/Key Talking Points:

• Acknowledge the expansion: "It's good more slots are coming, but parents tell us they still need reliable full-day options that feel personal."
• Ask questions: "What hours do you need? How important is individualized attention vs. structured group academics?"
• Differentiate: "Unlike school-based programs tied to academic calendars and bells, we adapt to real family life."

Tactics to Gain Enrollments

• Highlight Data/Waitlists: Share your own stats (e.g., "90% parent retention rate" or "Average teacher tenure: X years") if available. Contrast with general industry challenges like staffing/turnover in rapidly expanding systems.
• Offer Incentives: Short-term discounts for new enrollments, sibling rates, or "refer a parent" bonuses. Bundle with Colorado Universal Preschool where it complements (e.g., wrap-around care).
• Parent Testimonials: Collect stories focused on flexibility ("Finally, care that matches my nursing shifts"), personalization ("My shy toddler blossomed here"), and peace of mind.
• Partnerships: Work with local employers in Loveland/Fort Collins for employee discounts or onsite info sessions. Emphasize how private care supports workforce stability.
• Transparency on Costs: Be upfront about tuition while noting value. Many families qualify for CCCAP subsidies or tax credits that apply to private providers too.
• Counter "Free" Narrative: "Public options can seem cheaper for part-time preschool, but add up when you factor in before/after care, transportation, and inconsistent hours. We help families calculate the true full cost of care."

Tone Guidelines

• Positive and Parent-Centered: Frame as "expanding choices" rather than "fighting government." Parents respond to benefits for their child, not ideology.
• Empathetic: Recognize affordability pressures and the child care shortage in Colorado (deserts in many areas, high costs for infants/toddlers).
• Evidence-Based: Reference brain development in early years, importance of relationships, and flexibility for dual-income or single-parent households common in Colorado.

This approach positions private programs as the premium, responsive choice that complements public efforts without duplicating them. Test messages with current parents for local resonance, and track inquiries/enrollments tied to specific campaigns. Focus on what private care uniquely delivers: care that feels like family, tailored to Colorado's hardworking parents.  Reach out to ECEA if you need help/support on this.

Need Support as an ECEA Member?

Schedule with Dawn

Or email [email protected]

We are here to help!

Ten Programs are Engaging....what about you!?!