Learn
Need
Only 18,585 spots available in El Paso County, though more than 46,000 children under age 5 live here. An additional 16,000+ spots are needed. Childcare is not only hard to find, but expensive, averaging $20,000 per year per child.
Challenges
The funding system is flawed. Childcare businesses and nonprofits are built on parents’ fees. The annual cost of childcare in Colorado averages $20,000 (the 5th most expensive state in the country).
Early childhood professionals are underpaid. The median wage for childcare workers in 2022 was $14.22 an hour.
The community is not aware. There is limited awareness of this crisis, just how significant the childcare gap is, nor how the gap affects not only families but the economy as a whole.
Why Invest
Childcare is a smart investment that pays dividends for our community, generating between $7 and $13 in benefits for every dollar spent on quality childcare. Links to higher graduation rates. Leads to a more competitive workforce in the short and long term. Lowers crime rates and healthcare costs.
Childcare is a life-altering investment in children. Ninety percent (90%) of a child’s brain develops during the first five years of life. Our children deserve the best early learning during this critical part of development. Children who have access to early learning programs are more likely to read proficiently by the third grade, which leads to higher high school and college graduation rates.
Childcare should be accessible for all families. Childcare shouldn’t be a luxury for a few. The cost for a spot is high at $1,700/month. We need to make serious investments so it’s affordable.
Childcare in the News
TOP NEWS
- Zoning Ordinance Eases Opening of Childcare Centers | May 27 – Gazette
- How Passage of Ordinance Could Improve Citywide Access to Childcare | May 26 – KOAA
- Childcare Ordinance Passes First Vote 8-1 | May 26 – KOAA
- Colorado Springs weighs zoning changes to expand childcare access amid provider debate | Fox21 – May 16
- Update on Ordinance | Gazette – May 3
- Childcare Ordinance | KRDO – Short Article
- Zoning Changes to Expand Childcare Access with SLB Interview | KOAA – Feb. 3
- Gazette Op-Ed on Childcare Crisis by SherryLynn Boyles, JI’s President + CEO
- Gazette Story on Universal Preschool and Access to Childcare | Feb 13
- Opinion article on Colorado’s Childcare Desert by Director of Government Affairs at Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC (Page 29)
- Childcare Desert Story (YouTube) | April 6
- Childcare Desert Story (KOAA) | April 6
Proposed Legislation Related to Childcare
- Legislation Proposed to Reduce Childcare Shortage (Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest)
The KIDS’ Strong Start public awareness campaign launched on January 8, 2026.
Tap the links for the media coverage!
Colorado Springs is a childcare desert. The more orange the area, the greater the need for childcare spots.
