The Early Childhood Council of Archuleta County (ECCAC) has completed a comprehensive assessment, a family survey and a series of focus group meetings to understand and address the community’s critical child care needs. The findings make clear families’ challenges in accessing reasonable and quality child care, particularly regarding availability, affordability and waitlists.
In February, the ECCAC’s survey received a robust response, with more than 150 participants sharing their insights. In addition, the ECCAC gathered anecdotal data from three focused discussion groups. The key takeaways from this comprehensive research highlight the need for solutions to bridge existing child care gaps.
Among the significant findings, it was revealed that residents of Archuleta County are allocating nearly 15 percent of their income toward child care expenses. This exceeds the recommended threshold set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of 7 percent, indicating a substantial financial burden on families. Ninety percent of surveyed parents reported leaving or pausing their careers to care for their children at home, with 40 percent expressing a desire to rejoin the workforce as soon as possible.
Infant care emerged as a critical issue, as Archuleta has only six licensed placements available in the county, though about 100 babies are born yearly. Furthermore, many families face extensive waitlists for child care services, with 60 percent of surveyed households reporting being on waitlists and 50 percent of these children already enrolled in child care but awaiting placement in preferred facilities.
The affordability of child care is a significant concern, often dissuading families from seeking employment opportunities. However, the ECCAC is working to increase the number of available child care slots.
The ECCAC is the conduit for various state initiatives to promote emerging and expanding licensed care and education, including grants and required training.
Also, the ECCAC advocates for resources such as the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which assists eligible households in securing affordable child care. Approximately 25 percent of households in Archuleta County are eligible for CCCAP assistance, which is accepted at various child care facilities, including Wings Early Childhood Center, Seeds of Learning, Head Start, Our Savior Lutheran School and Tiff’s Lil’ Cubs Childcare.
The ECCAC remains committed to collaborating with community stakeholders, policymakers and child care providers to develop and implement effective strategies that address the child care needs of Archuleta County residents. By advocating for increased access, affordability and quality of child care services, the ECCAC aims to support families in achieving economic stability while ensuring young children’s healthy development and well-being.
To learn more about the ECCAC and to view the 2023 Community Assessment, visit http://eccarchuletacounty.org.
