Press Release

Kids First releases 2024 annual report and provider survey

Data shows 2024 accomplishments

Aspen, CO – Kids First, in partnership with the city of Aspen, has released its 2024 annual report and provider survey, detailing their programmatic successes in five key areas: quality, affordability, availability, workforce supports and education, and public awareness.

Kids First is an early childhood resource that dedicates significant time and resources to ensure that families have access to funding and high-quality early education and care within Pitkin County’s local childcare programs. 

This report serves as an educational resource for community members, childcare providers, and families to enhance their understanding of the ongoing efforts of Kids First to support the community. Some 2024 key findings include: 

Quality: 

• Over $44,000 provided in quality improvement and professional development grants to childcare providers and teachers. 
• 200 hours of quality improvement coaching from credentialed coaches provided to educators. 

Affordability: 

• All licensed Pitkin County childcare centers receive financial assistance from Kids First to help families in the community. 
• $281,514 was awarded to six qualified childcare centers for operational support. 
• In 2024, Kids First awarded $615,409 to families that live or work in the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary up to 600% of the federal poverty level. 

Availability: 

• Kids First supports programs to maintain and increase available space for children.
• Infant care (up to 18 months) – There are currently seven infant classrooms with staff ratios ranging from one teacher for every three to five infants. 
• Toddler care (18 to 36 months) – There are currently 13 toddler classrooms with staff ratios ranging from one teacher for every four to six toddlers. 
• Pre-school care (3 -5 years) – There are currently 17 preschool classrooms with staff ratios ranging from one teacher for every six to ten preschoolers. 

Workforce supports: 

• Kids First supports the childcare workforce and by providing wage supplements, hiring bonuses, and various grants to educators.
• VIP award: Childcare staff members are awarded for their professional development efforts twice per year. This program is designed to incentivize teachers to continue their qualifications to become highly qualified educators. In 2024, 89 individual teachers were awarded a total payout of $162,200.

Education and public awareness: 

• Periodic parent workshops and teacher trainings to continue to educate families and educators.
• Community engagement through activities and events such as Month of the Young Child, Read with Me Day, an annual children’s parade, community picnic and a booth at the Aspen Saturday Market. 

In 2025, Kids First aims to expand these supports, provide new funding sources, and introduce additional grants and programs tailored to the needs of families, childcare staff, and centers.

 To view the full report and to learn more, visit www.aspen.gov/kidsfirst.

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For more information, please contact: 
 Megan Monaghan, Kids First co-manager

Phone: 970-975-1978

Email: megan.monaghan@aspen.gov

Madie Bailey, communications coordinator
 Phone: 970-309-1569

Email: madie.bailey@aspen.gov