Aspen receives major childcare investments, annual report shows

Kids First, in partnership with the city of Aspen, has released its 2024 annual report and provider survey, outlining significant investments in local early childhood programs across five priority areas: quality, affordability, availability, workforce support, and public awareness.

As the region’s primary early childhood resource, Kids First helps ensure that children have access to affordable, high-quality early education and care.

In 2024

• Kids First distributed more than $44,000 in quality improvement and professional development grants to childcare centers and educators. Credentialed coaches provided 200 hours of support to help teachers enhance classroom quality and align with best practices in early childhood development.
• The organization awarded $615,409 to families living or working within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary, with eligibility extended up to 600% of the federal poverty level. In addition, $281,514 was distributed to six local centers to support their daily operations. All licensed childcare centers in Pitkin County benefit from some form of Kids First financial assistance.
• Kids First supports infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms by helping providers maintain licensed space and staff. In 2024, there were seven infant classrooms, 13 toddler classrooms, and 17 preschool classrooms in operation. Staff-to-child ratios ranged from 1:3 for infants to 1:10 for preschoolers, in line with quality standards.
• Kids First offers hiring bonuses, wage supplements, and grants to help recruit and retain educators. Through the VIP Award program — designed to encourage professional development — 89 teachers received a combined $162,200 in recognition of their ongoing efforts to advance their credentials.

To view the full report or learn more, visit http://www.aspen.gov/kidsfirst.