Measure 1B Funding Delivers More Than $428,000 in Child Care Assistance to Larimer County Families

Northern Colorado Kids Thrive

 

Less than a year after voters approved Measure 1B, local families are already benefiting from the investment. Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, the local nonprofit administering the funds in partnership with Larimer County, has directed more than $428,000 in child care tuition assistance to 38 families, helping 46 children access affordable care.

“While we build the infrastructure and programs for long-term child care support for Larimer County families, we were excited to work closely with Larimer County to move 1B funding out to eligible families who were waiting for much-needed support,” said Christina Taylor, CEO of Northern Colorado Kids Thrive. “We are grateful to United Way of Larimer County for having the vision to create the Larimer Child Care Fund years ago.”

The funding marks an early win for Measure 1B, with Taylor expecting both the amount of assistance distributed and the number of children and families to increase by the end of December.

Building on a Proven Community Partnership

Created by United Way of Larimer County and administered by Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, the Larimer Child Care Fund (LCCF) helps low- and moderate-income families who don’t qualify for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) afford licensed child care at the provider of their choice. Participating families pay no more than 15% of their income toward child care for the year. Since 2021, United Way has raised $2,179,011 dollars for LCCF, funding nearly 400 families.

“Nearly two decades ago, UWLC identified access to child care as a top priority for helping families achieve economic self-sufficiency,” said Joy Sullivan, CEO of United Way of Larimer County. “Generous donors and committed partners helped build the foundation that allows public dollars to reach families quickly today. Addressing long-standing community challenges takes both philanthropic giving and sustained public investment. Measure 1B is an important step forward, and continued generosity will help fill the gaps so more parents can work, children can thrive and families can build a more stable future.”

United Way has been a longtime champion of affordable child care, contributing funding, volunteering and raising awareness during the Measure 1B campaign while continuing to fundraise for LCCF.

Working with Larimer County and United Way, Northern Colorado Kids Thrive used Measure 1B funding to support families already approved and waiting for LCCF assistance. By building on the program’s existing application process, eligibility requirements and provider relationships, the organization was able to get funding to families without requiring them to navigate a new program.

Measure 1B Investment Impact

To date, this Measure 1B investment has provided:

The investment has also strengthened Northern Colorado Kids Thrive’s partnerships with licensed child care providers, including Respite Care, Inc., which serves children with developmental disabilities and their families.

“For families raising a child with a developmental disability, finding care that meets their child’s needs and fits their budget can be challenging,” said Kristi Briles, Executive Director of Respite Care, Inc. “The Larimer Child Care Fund helps make that care more affordable, giving parents time to work, care for themselves, and meet other family needs. We’re grateful to be a partner and for this investment in our families.”

For families receiving this support, the funding has brought relief and excitement. Beyond easing the financial burden of child care, the assistance offers greater peace of mind and stability, allowing families to focus less on how to afford care and more on their other needs.

“This is exactly the kind of impact we hoped Measure 1B would make,” said Taylor. “It’s about taking the resources our community has invested and putting them to work for children, families and educators. We’re proud of this early progress and excited about what’s ahead.”

As Northern Colorado Kids Thrive develops longer-term programs for families and early childhood educators, this early investment shows how voter-approved funding and established community partnerships can make an immediate difference.

Learn More About Measure 1B and Available Resources

About Northern Colorado Kids Thrive

Northern Colorado Kids Thrive (NoCo Kids Thrive) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every young child in our community has quality early childhood experiences to thrive from day one. Learn more at nocokidsthrive.org