COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NEWS RELEASE) – Beginning today, November 6, 2024, the El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) will implement an enrollment freeze for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which provides child care subsidies for eligible people. low income families. The freeze results from reduced CCCAP funding allocations and increased costs due to state-mandated provider rate adjustments, creating financial challenges for Colorado counties, including El Paso.

The enrollment freeze will temporarily prevent new eligible families from joining CCCAP. Applications will still be accepted and reviewed to track the application, but full eligibility determinations and enrollment for new applicants will be delayed until the freeze is lifted. Families currently enrolled in CCCAP who maintain eligibility will not be affected.

“This enrollment freeze is necessary to ensure that the program can continue to serve families already enrolled within our budget limits,” said Andrew Bunn, El Paso County Department of Human Services Deputy Executive Director. “We recognize the importance of CCCAP to families in our community and will work to minimize the impact on those who rely on this program.”

Several other Colorado counties have recently implemented freezes or similar waiting lists for CCCAP due to these financial constraints. El Paso County DHS will continue to document the demand for child care assistance to understand the extent of unmet need and inform future planning. Once the freeze is lifted, priority will be given to vulnerable populations, including families experiencing homelessness and children with additional care needs.

Families affected by the CCCAP freeze can seek additional resources through programs such as SNAP and LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) and local child care support agencies. For additional information and guidance on available programs, families can contact El Paso County DHS or visit www.ElPasoCo.com.

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