The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Arapahoe County, Colorado, is dedicated to supporting families by making child care more affordable. This program is designed to assist eligible families with the costs of child care for children from birth up to 12 years old, enabling parents to pursue work and educational opportunities that foster long-term self-sufficiency.
However, it’s important to note that effective January 1, 2025, Arapahoe County CCAP will temporarily halt new enrollments due to insufficient funding at the state and federal levels.
While new applications will not be accepted after this date, the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services will continue to accept and keep applications on file. Should additional funding become available in the future from state or federal sources, these applications will be considered for processing. At present, there is no definitive timeline for when the enrollment freeze will be lifted.
Who is Eligible for Arapahoe County CCAP?
To be considered eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program in Arapahoe County, families must fulfill specific eligibility requirements and adhere to income limits. Furthermore, parents must be actively engaged in at least one of the following qualifying activities:
- Employment or actively seeking employment
- Enrollment in a college or vocational training program
- Enrollment in high school (for applicants under 21 years of age)
- Participation in a GED program (for applicants under 21 years of age)
It is also important to understand that participating families are required to contribute to the cost of child care through parental fees. It should be noted that parental fees, program benefits, provider payment rates, and overall program availability are subject to change.
Selecting a Child Care Provider in Arapahoe County
A key feature of the Arapahoe County CCAP is that it allows families to choose the child care provider that best suits their individual needs and preferences. CCAP directly pays the chosen provider for the hours when the parent is engaged in their approved activity, such as work or education. The Arapahoe County Department of Human Services conducts background checks on all providers to ensure child safety and well-being.
To assist in the search for suitable child care, parents can utilize online resources such as Colorado Shines or contact the Colorado Shines Child Care Referral Line at 877-338-2273 for personalized guidance. Additionally, parents can review the licensing history of licensed or registered providers for added peace of mind.
Information for Child Care Providers
For those interested in becoming a child care provider within the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program network, you can begin the enrollment process by visiting the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website. This resource provides detailed information and the steps required to become a registered CCAP provider.
For general inquiries related to provider matters, please contact the Human Services Finance Division at [email protected]. Providers requiring assistance from the State CCCAP program or experiencing issues with the Automated Tracking System (ATS) should reach out to the dedicated helpdesk via email at [email protected].
This information is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Arapahoe County Child Care Assistance Program. For the most up-to-date details and to confirm eligibility and program status, please refer to the official Arapahoe County Department of Human Services website.
