Colorado Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers: The 2025 No‑BS Guide to CCCAP, UPK, Head Start, and More

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, numbers‑first guide for single mothers in Colorado who need childcare help now. It reflects the most current rules, county thresholds, waitlist data, timelines, and tax credits available as of August–September 2025. Sources are official state, federal, and county pages—you can click through anytime to verify.

Before we dive in, here’s the quick help you can use today.

Quick Help (save and share)

• Apply for childcare help online right now through the state portal: Apply for Child Care Assistance at Colorado PEAK (CCCAP online application). (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Check if your county has a freeze or waitlist before you apply: Current CCCAP Freeze/Waitlist by County (live spreadsheet). (docs.google.com)
• Find licensed providers that accept CCCAP and get help choosing care: Colorado Shines child care search and Colorado Shines Referral Line: 1-877-338-2273 or text your ZIP to 898-211. (cdec.colorado.gov, cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Talk to your local office (phone numbers below) or use the statewide directory: County Human/Social Services contact list. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Preschool for 4‑year‑olds (and some 3‑year‑olds): Universal Preschool (UPK) family info. UPK helpline 303-866-5223. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Denver residents with preschoolers: Pair UPK with Denver Preschool Program tuition credits (DPP helpline 303-595-4377). (dpp.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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What this guide does better than most search results

• Uses the current county income thresholds (entry at a % of FPL; exit at 85% of SMI) and posts exact monthly dollar amounts where available. (cdec.colorado.gov, docs.google.com)
• Shows the live county freeze/waitlist spreadsheet with real counts (families and children) as of August 1, 2025. (docs.google.com)
• Gives the real timelines from state rules (15‑day notice, applications valid 60 days, 12‑month eligibility, 13 weeks job‑search, 104–208 weeks for college/training). (law.cornell.edu)
• Includes practical “Plan B” options if CCCAP is frozen and step‑by‑step actions you can take this week.
• Keeps links to official government or well‑established programs only, with dates verified.

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Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP): Start Here

Most important first step: apply. It starts the clock, creates your case in the system, and puts you in line if your county is frozen.

• Apply online: Colorado PEAK – Child Care Assistance. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Or submit the paper CCCAP application to your county office (addresses/phones below): County human/social services directory. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What CCCAP pays for

• CCCAP helps pay child care for children under 13 (or up to 19 with special needs), while you work, look for work, or attend school/training. Payments go to your provider; you pay a monthly parent fee. (cdec.colorado.gov)

Key income rules

• Counties must serve families at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) and cannot serve families over 85% of State Median Income (SMI). Each county sets its “entry” limit within those boundaries. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Colorado publishes a live “Family Income Guidelines” sheet showing county‑specific entry limits (by monthly dollars and household size) and the statewide 85% SMI cap. See the state spreadsheet linked below and the county table further down in this guide. (docs.google.com)

Application timing you should expect

• Counties must send a written approval/denial or “missing items” notice within 15 calendar days of receiving your signed application. Your application stays valid 60 days—get your verifications in within that window. (law.cornell.edu)
• Eligibility lasts 12 months once approved (continuous eligibility). You’ll do a redetermination each year. (cdec.colorado.gov)

Waitlists and freezes are real (2025 snapshot)

• Many counties are in freeze/waitlist status due to budgets. Check the live county list before you apply: CCCAP Waitlists/Freezes 2024–2025. (docs.google.com)
• If your county is frozen, still submit your application to time‑stamp your place and then jump to the “Plan B if CCCAP is Frozen” section below.

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CCCAP Income Limits (Entry) and 85% SMI (Exit): What Counts for Common Counties

Colorado’s live sheet lists monthly entry maximums (by county, household size) and the statewide 85% SMI cap (exit at redetermination). Below is a quick look for a 3‑person and 4‑person household in major counties. Always confirm in the official sheet (it’s updated by the state). (docs.google.com)

Table note: “Entry FPL%” = county’s entry income threshold (as % of poverty). “Exit (85% SMI)” = statewide cap, not county‑specific.

For other counties (Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Pueblo, etc.), use the live Family Income Guidelines spreadsheet linked from the state CCCAP page (“View the Family Income Guidelines for CCCAP eligibility”). (cdec.colorado.gov, docs.google.com)

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2025 County Freeze/Waitlist Snapshot (as of August 1, 2025)

Colorado posts a month‑by‑month live sheet with the exact counts of families and children on freezes/waitlists. Here are selected metro and large counties. Always confirm in the live list before you plan care. (docs.google.com)

Reality check: If you’re in a freeze county, don’t wait for the list to move. Apply anyway, then use Plan B options below this section.

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How to Apply for CCCAP (and Actually Get Through)

Start with the action, then the details.

• Submit your application (online is fastest): Apply for Child Care Assistance at PEAK. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Immediately line up a provider that accepts CCCAP (you can change later): search Colorado Shines; call the Referral Line 1-877-338-2273 if you’re stuck. (cdec.colorado.gov, cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Watch for the county’s 15‑day notice. Respond fast if they ask for documents; your application stays valid 60 days. (law.cornell.edu)
• Do not start care until your county authorizes your provider in writing. If you start early, you may have to pay out‑of‑pocket for those days. (cdec.colorado.gov)

Application Checklist (print this)

• Photo ID and proof of Colorado residency (lease, bill, or letter from shelter, etc.).
• Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, wage statement, or if self‑employed, income/expense records). Counties can use up to 12 months of income if 30 days isn’t accurate. (law.justia.com)
• Work schedule or school/training schedule (if student, see education limits below).
• Provider’s name, address, phone, and whether they’re licensed or a Qualified Exempt Provider (relative/friend). (cdec.colorado.gov)
• If you lost your job: tell your worker—job‑search child care is allowed for at least 13 weeks per instance. (law.cornell.edu)

Timelines and Rules That Matter (know these)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting care before the county authorizes your provider (you can get stuck with the bill). (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Missing the 15‑day response window on county notices or waiting past 60 days to turn in documents. (law.cornell.edu)
• Not paying your monthly parent fee on time—benefits can end, and unpaid fees follow you. (raisingcoloradokids.com)
• Skipping the daily ATS check in/out at the provider; verify any missed days ASAP. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Using a friend/relative caregiver without completing the Qualified Exempt Provider registration and background checks. (cdec.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B right now)

• If you hit a county freeze: still apply, then immediately line up UPK/Head Start/DPP (below) and ask the Colorado Shines Referral Line (1-877-338-2273) for openings that accept subsidies or offer sliding‑fee scholarships. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Call your Early Childhood Council (county‑level hub) for local slots/scholarships: Find your Early Childhood Council. (ecclacolorado.org)
• If you’re in Colorado Works (TANF), ask your technician for a CCCAP referral—that can bypass some wait barriers even during freezes in many counties. (Your county’s TANF office can advise.) (cdec.colorado.gov)

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Parent Fees (your monthly co‑pay): How they’re set and when you can get a reduction

How fees are calculated

• Fees are based on your household’s gross income, family size, and number of children in care. The state provides an official calculator and “Parent Fee Tool” (download) so you can estimate your fee. Pay the fee to your provider at the start of each month. (cdec.colorado.gov)

When fees can be reduced or waived

• If you choose a provider with a Colorado Shines quality level 3–5, your fee is reduced by 20%. (law.cornell.edu)
• No parent fee during a homelessness stabilization period, for protective services child care, or when your household has no income. Certain Colorado Works activities (not paid employment) also have no fee. Head Start/Early Head Start co‑enrollment can allow a waiver. (law.cornell.edu)
• If your fee is unaffordable, talk to your county before you miss a payment—counties can adjust fees at redetermination or when there are qualifying changes. (law.cornell.edu)

Estimating your fee

• Use the official tools linked from the state CCCAP page (“Pay Your Parent Fees”). Exact fees are based on verified income; your county’s determination controls if an estimate differs. (cdec.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Choose a higher‑quality provider (level 3–5) to trigger the 20% fee reduction. Use the Colorado Shines search filter for program rating. (law.cornell.edu)
• Ask if your Head Start/EHS co‑enrollment or homelessness status qualifies you for a fee waiver. (law.cornell.edu)
• If you’re in Colorado Works and doing an approved non‑employment activity, ask your TANF tech to confirm zero parent fee. (law.cornell.edu)

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Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) Care: Using a Relative or Friend with CCCAP

You can use a relative/friend as a “Qualified Exempt Provider” (QEP). It’s legal, but there are safety checks.

What’s required

• County registration and required forms (fiscal agreement, W‑9, criminal history statement, authorization, provider info, and signed standards). Home visits are required if the provider is not a family member. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Background checks for the caregiver and every adult (18+) living in the home, including fingerprint‑based CBI/FBI checks (currently $39.50\ast \ast combined)andchildabuse/neglect(Trails)checks(\ast \ast$30 per form). Out‑of‑state checks may be required if someone lived elsewhere in the past five years. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Disqualifying offenses are listed in statute and rules (e.g., child abuse, certain violent felonies). (colorado.public.law, law.justia.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If a QEP can’t pass checks or paperwork, switch to a licensed provider that accepts CCCAP. Use the Colorado Shines search or call 1-877-338-2273. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• If you’re moving counties, start the new provider authorization a few weeks before you move so the county can set up the fiscal agreement. (cdec.colorado.gov)

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Universal Preschool (UPK Colorado): Preschool hours you shouldn’t leave on the table

Top action: submit your UPK application early and pair with other aid if needed.

• Every child in the year before kindergarten can get up to 15 hours/week of state‑funded preschool. Families may qualify for additional hours if they’re at or below 270% FPG and have qualifying factors (homelessness, IEP, dual‑language learner, etc.). UPK help: 303-866-5223. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• 2024–25 and 2025–26 policy notes: “Low‑income” remains at ≤270% FPG for extra hours, subject to funding; the site posts income charts and qualifying factors. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Apply here: UPK Family Information. (cdec.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your hours aren’t enough, pair UPK with CCCAP (if available) or DPP (Denver) to cover a longer day. Ask your provider about “braiding” funding; many sites do it daily. (cdec.colorado.gov, dpp.org)
• If you can’t find a slot, call your local Early Childhood Council for placement help: Find your Council. (ecclacolorado.org)

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Denver Preschool Program (DPP): Extra help for Denver families

If you live in the City and County of Denver, DPP gives monthly tuition credits for preschool regardless of immigration status or income (amount varies by income, school day length, and program quality). Use the calculator to see your estimate. DPP help: 303-595-4377. (dpp.org)

• Start here: DPP Tuition Assistance + Calculator. For 2025–26, DPP kept the same tuition credit scale as 2024–25. (dpp.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Combine DPP with UPK to stretch hours. Talk with your preschool’s front office—they do this every day. (dpp.org)
• If you can’t find a DPP provider, email info@dpp.org—DPP will help bring your preschool into the network if possible. (dpp.org)

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Head Start & Early Head Start: Free early learning with wrap‑around supports

For birth to age 5, free if you meet income rules or are categorically eligible.

• Income eligibility generally uses HHS Poverty Guidelines; children in families experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or receiving TANF/SSI are eligible regardless of income. Find a program: Head Start Center Locator. (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)
• Recent federal changes give more flexibility in Tribal and Migrant & Seasonal Head Start (relevant for some Colorado families working in agriculture or living in Tribal service areas). (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If the center is full, ask to be placed on the waiting list and request a referral to community partners that can offer interim care or home‑based services. Use the locator to widen your search radius. (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)

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Taxes You Can Claim To Help Pay for Care (don’t leave money on the table)

These credits are claimed when you file your taxes—save receipts now.

• Federal Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC): claim up to $3,000\ast \ast inexpensesforonechild(or\ast \ast$6,000 for two or more). The credit rate is 20–35% based on income (max $1,050\ast \ast foronechild;\ast \ast$2,100 for two or more). See IRS Topic 602 and Publication 503. (irs.gov)
• Colorado Child & Dependent Care Expenses Credit: if your federal AGI is ≤$60,000, you may get a refundable state credit equal to 50% of your federal CDCTC. Details: CO Dept. of Revenue guidance. (tax.colorado.gov)
• Colorado Low‑Income Child Care Expenses Credit: if AGI is ≤$25,000\ast \ast andyoudon’tqualifyforthefederalcredit(nofederalliability),youmayclaim\ast \ast 25$500 (one child) or $1,000 (two+). Forms DR 0104CR & DR 0347. (tax.colorado.gov)
• Family Affordability Tax Credit (Colorado): for tax year 2025, maximum $3,273\ast \ast perchildages0–5and\ast \ast$2,455 ages 6–16 (amount varies by income and other factors). See the state’s official CTC/EITC/Family Affordability FAQ. (tax.colorado.gov)

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Real‑World Examples (so you can size your chances quickly)

• Denver mom of 2 (ages 1 and 4), household of 3, working 35 hrs/week at $22/hr($3,330/mo before taxes). Denver’s entry limit for a 3‑person household is $4,841.25 (225% FPL). She’s under that, so she likely qualifies if other criteria are met. She applies on PEAK, picks a level‑3 provider to cut her parent fee by 20%, and pairs UPK (15 hrs/week) for the 4‑year‑old to stretch the day. (docs.google.com, law.cornell.edu, cdec.colorado.gov)
• El Paso County mom of 1 toddler, household of 2, part‑time student: El Paso entry for 2‑person household is $3,151.17 (185% FPL). She also qualifies for up to 104–208 weeks of education‑related child care. If El Paso is frozen, she applies anyway and lines up Early Head Start as interim care. (docs.google.com, law.cornell.edu)
• Weld County mom with 3 kids, household of 4, self‑employed: Weld entry for 4‑person is $4,810.00 (185% FPL). She must show self‑employment income minus expenses and that earnings average at least federal minimum wage for declared hours. If her preferred provider won’t take CCCAP, she can onboard a relative as a QEP (background checks required). (weld.gov, law.cornell.edu, cdec.colorado.gov)

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Local Contacts (phones you can call today)

If your county isn’t listed, use the full directory: County human/social services contacts. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

• Adams County Human Services: 720-523-2000. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Arapahoe County Human Services: 303-636-1130. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Boulder County Human Services: 303-441-1000. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Denver Human Services: 720-944-4347. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Douglas County Human Services: 303-688-4825. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• El Paso County DHS: 719-636-0000. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Jefferson County Human Services: 303-271-1388 (CCAP customer line: 303-271-4484). (cdhs.colorado.gov, jeffco.us)
• Larimer County Human Services: 970-498-6300. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Mesa County DHS: 970-241-8480. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Pueblo County DHS: 719-583-6160. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Weld County DHS: 970-352-1551 (CCCAP team: 970-400-6017). (cdhs.colorado.gov, weld.gov)

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Other Colorado Resources (when CCCAP isn’t enough)

• 2‑1‑1 Colorado: dial 2‑1‑1 or 866‑760‑6489, or text ZIP to 898‑211 for childcare, rent, utilities, food, and more. Search 211 Colorado. (211colorado.org)
• Early Childhood Councils (local hubs that know every slot/scholarship): Find your Council. (ecclacolorado.org)
• Child care search + support line: Colorado Shines, Referral Line 1-877-338-2273 (Mon–Fri). (cdec.colorado.gov, cdhs.colorado.gov)
• State Early Childhood help line: 1-800-799-5876. (cdec.colorado.gov)

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Diverse Communities: Specific tips and contacts

• LGBTQ+ single mothers
  Ask for providers with inclusive practices via Colorado Shines; your local Early Childhood Council often tracks LGBTQ+‑affirming programs. Interpretation is available on state lines; UPK and DPP applications do not ask about immigration status (DPP explicitly serves all Denver families regardless of status). (dpp.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with a child who has disabilities
  If your child has an IEP, UPK can provide additional hours beyond the standard 15/week based on needs. For infants/toddlers, ask your pediatrician about Early Intervention and check your Council for inclusive providers. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Veteran single mothers
  If you’re a federal employee, ask HR about a federal Child Care Subsidy Program; otherwise, pair CCCAP/UPK/Head Start with VA family services. Your Early Childhood Council can help coordinate.
• Immigrant/refugee single moms
  You can apply for UPK and DPP without regard to immigration status; 2‑1‑1 and the Colorado Shines Referral Line offer help in English/Spanish (and translation). (dpp.org, 211colorado.org)
• Tribal resources
  Some Colorado families live in or near the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute service areas. Contact Tribal Social Services to ask about CCDF child care supports and referrals: Southern Ute Social Services 970‑563‑2326; Ute Mountain Ute main line 970‑565‑3751 (ask for child care/early childhood). (southernute-nsn.gov, monteloresecc.org)
• Rural single moms with limited slots
  Call your Early Childhood Council first and ask for home‑based providers and FFN options; they often know openings before they hit the search sites. (ecclacolorado.org)
• Single fathers
  CCCAP, UPK, Head Start, DPP, and tax credits apply the same—household income and child age determine eligibility. Use the same steps in this guide.
• Language access
  UPK helpline 303‑866‑5223 supports calls; 2‑1‑1 offers bilingual help; state sites have translation tools. Counties must provide language assistance when needed for benefits access. (cdec.colorado.gov, 211colorado.org)

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County/Region Tips

Front Range (Denver metro, Boulder, Jeffco, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Broomfield)

• Expect freezes/waitlists; apply to CCCAP anyway, then braid UPK + DPP (Denver) + scholarships. Confirm your provider’s quality level (3–5) to cut your parent fee by 20% once CCCAP opens. (docs.google.com, law.cornell.edu)

Northern Front Range (Larimer, Weld)

• Larimer/Weld are under freezes in 2025; Weld publishes its CCCAP income table and CCAP team phone line (970‑400‑6017). UPK and Head Start are vital bridge options here. (weld.gov)

Southern Front Range (El Paso, Pueblo)

• El Paso and Pueblo have freezes. Ask your TANF technician about a CCCAP referral; track slots via Colorado Shines and Head Start while you wait. (elpasoco.com, docs.google.com)

Western Slope & Mountain (Mesa, Eagle, Summit, etc.)

• County entry thresholds vary widely (e.g., Eagle allows up to 270% FPL at entry). UPK and local Councils are strong connectors in ski and resort areas. (docs.google.com)

Eastern Plains

• Fewer providers but often less wait; FFN (QEP) care can bridge gaps if relatives can pass background checks. (cdec.colorado.gov)

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Choosing a Provider (fast, safe, and affordable)

• Use the Colorado Shines search to filter by: accepts CCCAP, quality level (3–5 lowers your fee), location/hours, language, and infant/toddler availability. Call 1‑877‑338‑2273 for live help. (cdec.colorado.gov, cdhs.colorado.gov)
• For license‑exempt relatives/friends (QEP), complete county registration and background checks before care starts—or CCCAP won’t pay. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Always wait for the written authorization from your county before your child’s first day.

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Plan B if CCCAP Is Frozen (step‑by‑step)

• Lock in UPK for 4‑year‑olds (and some 3‑year‑olds): apply now and ask about qualifying factors for extra hours. Call 303‑866‑5223 if stuck. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• If you live in Denver, stack DPP credits with UPK to reduce or eliminate tuition. Use DPP’s calculator; call 303‑595‑4377 for help. (dpp.org)
• Apply to Head Start/Early Head Start (free, year‑round options in many areas). Use the Head Start Center Locator. (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)
• Ask your Early Childhood Council to identify immediate openings, sliding‑fee programs, or short‑term scholarships in your county: Find your Council. (ecclacolorado.org)

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FAQs (Colorado‑specific, 2025)

1. What income do I need to qualify for CCCAP in Denver?
   For a 3‑person home, Denver’s entry max is $4,841.25/mo\ast \ast ;for4people,\ast \ast$5,850.00/mo (225% FPL). Exit cap is 85% SMI statewide ($7,741.19\ast \ast for3;\ast \ast$9,215.70 for 4). (docs.google.com)
2. Do I have to cooperate with Child Support Services to get CCCAP?
   No. As of July 1, 2023, cooperation with child support is not required for CCCAP eligibility. (cdec.colorado.gov)
3. How long until my application is decided?
   Counties must send an approval/denial or request for info within 15 days; your application remains valid for 60 days to submit documents. (law.cornell.edu)
4. Can I get CCCAP if I’m looking for work?
   Yes—job‑search child care is approved for at least 13 weeks each time you have a non‑temporary job loss. (law.cornell.edu)
5. I’m in college. Will CCCAP cover care while I’m in classes?
   Yes—post‑secondary/training can be covered for 104–208 weeks lifetime while you meet other rules. (law.cornell.edu)
6. Can I use a relative as my caregiver?
   Yes, as a Qualified Exempt Provider (QEP), but they—and all adults in the home—must pass background checks (CBI/FBI ~$39.50\ast \ast ,Trailscheck\ast \ast$30) and complete county paperwork. (cdec.colorado.gov)
7. How big will my monthly parent fee be?
   It depends on income, family size, and kids in care. Use the state’s parent fee tools on the CCCAP page. If your provider is Colorado Shines level 3–5, your fee drops 20%. Some households (e.g., certain Colorado Works activities, homelessness stabilization) pay $0. (cdec.colorado.gov, law.cornell.edu)
8. What if I move to another county mid‑year?
   Your benefits continue during your 12‑month period. Apply in the new county at redetermination. Start provider onboarding early if you’re switching providers. (cdec.colorado.gov)
9. Are there extra hours of free preschool for low‑income families?
   Yes. UPK may provide additional hours for families at or below 270% FPG with qualifying factors (subject to funding). Call 303‑866‑5223. (cdec.colorado.gov)
10. What tax help can I get for child care?
    Federal CDCTC lets you claim up to $3,000\ast \ast (onechild)or\ast \ast$6,000 (two+), with a 20–35% credit. Colorado adds a 50% match (AGI ≤$60,000\ast \ast )oralow‑incomecreditupto\ast \ast$500/$1,000\ast \ast ifAGI\ast \ast \le$25,000 and you can’t claim the federal credit. (irs.gov, tax.colorado.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid (seen over and over)

• Starting care before authorization—no back pay for unauthorized days. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Not checking the freeze/waitlist list (and then delaying your Plan B). (docs.google.com)
• Missing the 15‑day response window to county requests. (law.cornell.edu)
• Ignoring ATS check in/out—fix missed swipes next visit. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Not using a level 3–5 provider when you could (that 20% fee reduction matters). (law.cornell.edu)

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If You Work in Child Care: Special rule worth knowing

Under 2024 legislation, Colorado expanded access and simplified CCCAP. One change allows child care provider employees to be granted full benefits for their children (age 6 weeks–13), regardless of the employee’s income. The law also shifts provider payments toward enrollment‑based, weekly, in‑advance payments. Ask your employer and county about this if you’re a child care worker. (leg.colorado.gov)

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Application Documents & Steps (printable)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Human Services, county human services, the Colorado Department of Revenue, the IRS, USDA/ACF (Head Start), and established nonprofits. It follows our Editorial Standards and only cites primary or government sources. We verify links and figures at publication and monitor for updates, but we are not a government agency and cannot guarantee individual outcomes.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.
Send corrections to info@asinglemother.org—we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, dollar amounts, county thresholds, and waitlist statuses change. Always confirm with your county human/social services office, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and the official websites linked in this guide before making decisions or paying fees. This guide is not legal or tax advice.

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Sources (selected)

• CCCAP for Families (rules, application, parent fee tools, UPK overview, ATS): Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Family Income Guidelines (county entry limits; 85% SMI cap): State spreadsheet. (docs.google.com)
• CCCAP county freeze/waitlist (live counts): State spreadsheet (Aug 1, 2025 snapshot). (docs.google.com)
• County contacts directory (phones/addresses): Colorado Department of Human Services. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• UPK qualifying factors & income thresholds; UPK phone: Colorado Department of Early Childhood. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Parent fees & reductions; fee rules and waivers (8 CCR 1403-1-3.124): LII/State regs. (law.cornell.edu)
• Application timelines/validity (15 days; 60 days); appeals: LII/State regs. (law.cornell.edu)
• Job search weeks and school/training weeks: LII/State regs (3.111). (law.cornell.edu)
• QEP/FFN requirements and background check fees: CDEC background checks; QEP rules page. (cdec.colorado.gov)
• Colorado Shines Referral Line: CDHS press release and CDEC pages. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Weld County CCCAP income table and freeze notice: Weld County Dept. of Human Services. (weld.gov)
• Jefferson and El Paso freeze notices: County pages. (jeffco.us, elpasoco.com)
• DPP tuition credits & calculator; 2025–26 scale unchanged: Denver Preschool Program. (dpp.org)
• Head Start eligibility and locator (ECLKC): Office of Head Start. (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)
• IRS Child & Dependent Care Credit: Topic 602; Publication 503. (irs.gov)
• Colorado Child & Dependent Care credit; Low‑Income Child Care Expenses credit; Family Affordability credit amounts: CO Department of Revenue. (tax.colorado.gov)
• CCCAP modernization (HB24‑1223): Colorado General Assembly. (leg.colorado.gov)

If you see something outdated or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org with the specific program and we’ll update it within 48–72 hours.

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• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery