Press Release
Kids First releases early childhood community needs assessment report
Aspen, CO – Kids First, a city of Aspen early childhood resource center, 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.
Key findings from the assessment include:
Unmet and shifting needs: Enrollment patterns continue to fluctuate. Spring and summer 2025 data showed a shortage of infant and toddler care and sufficient preschool capacity; more recent data shows available spaces across all age groups, underscoring rapidly changing demand.
Affordability and access: Families cite affordability, flexible hours, and accessible locations as primary barriers to securing care.
Regional demand: Commuting families from Garfield and Eagle counties add pressure on Pitkin County providers, especially for infant and toddler care.
Risk to existing providers: Adding preschool slots at a not-yet-built facility at Burlingame Ranch without targeted support could financially strain existing providers already experiencing enrollment challenges.
Design flexibility: Future childcare facilities should be adaptable and easily reconfigured as age group needs shift over time.
Facility and housing co-location: Pairing childcare centers with on-site staff housing could lower operational costs, improve workforce retention, and strengthen long-term service stability.
“As demand changes, we need adaptable, sustainable solutions,” said Megan Monaghan, Kids First co-manager. “This report helps us plan for the future and ensure that the addition of new facilities will support our long-term early childhood education goals.”
To address these evolving needs, Aspen City Council may evaluate the planned early childhood education center at Burlingame Ranch and to explore alternative strategies to meet increasing need in early 2026.
Kids First will continue to help guide the community toward long-term solutions, supporting Council’s goal of early childhood education programmatic enhancement and optimization.
For more information or to view the full community needs assessment report, visit: aspen.gov/kidsfirst.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information please contact:
Megan Monaghan, Kids First co-manager
970-920-5372
megan.monaghan@aspen.gov
Megan Monaghan, Kids First co-manager
970-920-5372
megan.monaghan@aspen.gov
Madie Bailey, communications coordinator
970-309-1569
madie.bailey@aspen.gov
970-309-1569
madie.bailey@aspen.gov