Kids First

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Child Care Needs Assessment Report

Child care needs assessment report cover Kids First has released a community needs assessment report that outlines current conditions and emerging trends in childcare across Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Valley. 

 The assessment examined both current and projected childcare needs, highlighting areas of strength and identifying gaps in meeting the needs of families throughout the region.

The report outlined key findings including unmet and shifting childcare needs, affordability and access, regional demand, and more. 

View the whole report at: aspen.govchild-care-needs-assessment





2024 Provider Survey and Annual Report

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Kids First, in partnership with the City of Aspen, dedicates significant time and resources to ensure that families have access to funding and high-quality early education and care within our local childcare programs.

The 2024 Provider Survey and Annual Report details the work that we have accomplished in 2024, focusing on financial assistance and quality improvement. It highlights our programmatic successes in five key areas: quality, affordability, availability, education and public awareness, and workforce supports.

This report serves as an educational resource for, community members, childcare providers, and families to enhance their understanding and bring awareness to our ongoing efforts in supporting our community.

View the report at issuu.com/kidsfirstcityofaspen

We can help you navigate the childcare system!

We have an inter-active map to help you locate childcare kids-first-childcare-map Opens in new windowprograms!  

Kids First does not recommend one program over another, it is up to you as a family to choose the best program for your child! We can help you navigate the system; contact us if you have questions. You can also click at the bottom of this page to search the Colorado Shines data base. If you don’t find the information you are looking for here, please contact us. We also have a list of licensed childcare programs in our resource directory.

Child Abuse Prevention  

Kids First wants to continue raising child abuse prevention awareness, not just in April during Child Abuse Awareness Month. If you see something, say something! Call 844-CO-4-Kids  or 844-264-5437; local child and adult protection staff will investigate, and provide supports. River Bridge Regional also has resources for Child Abuse, you can access their website at https://www.riverbridgerc.org/.

●Do you know someone that may benefit from mental health support? Refer them to Mind Springs Health via their website www.mindspringshealth.org  or via phone at (970) 920-5555. If you personally feel you need mental health assistance, please call 1-877-519 7505 for Mind Springs Health self help line.  

● Pitkin County Human Services is here to support our community with connection to resources, economic and food assistance and much more. 

● Kids First can help find childcare for children before they enter Kindergarten. We can also see if you qualify for funding to help pay for childcare. 970-920-5363 or email: kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov

Kids Thrive

For information on services that help strengthen families, prevent child abuse/neglect, and promotes positive interactions visit our Kids Thrive page. 

     

Childcare Resources Through Colorado Shines: https://www.coloradoshines.com/search

Are You a Child Advocate?

These organizations can help you navigate legislation at the state and national level:

  • Colorado Children's Campaign provides policy information and ways to be involved at the state level.
  • The Colorado General Assembly site reviews state level bills, laws, who your elected officials are, who is in which committee and more. They also provide a live stream if you're interested! State senator and house representative contact information is also available for your records on this website.
  • Zero to Three is a non-partisan, research-based center working at all levels of government and across multiple issue areas that affect babies and their families.
  • NAEYC provides resources to be an advocate for children at the national level.
  • United States House of Representatives, will help you find your representatives, bills, and also provide a live stream to view.
  • United States Senate will help you find your senator’s contact information, follow bills, and more.

Contact us if you have questions - 970-920-5363 or kidsfirst@aspen.gov