Financial Assistance

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP):

• Description: CCCAP is a state-run program that provides financial assistance to low-income families to help pay for child care. The program is designed to support families in becoming self-sufficient by offering child care subsidies.
• Eligibility: To qualify, families must meet income guidelines, and parents must be working, looking for work, or attending school. Each county in Colorado administers the program, and eligibility requirements may vary slightly.
• Benefits: The program helps cover the cost of child care for children under the age of 13 (or 18 if the child has special needs). The amount of assistance depends on family income, the number of children in care, and the type of child care provider.

Denver Preschool Program (DPP):

• Description: DPP is a tuition credit program specifically for families in Denver. It helps make preschool more affordable for all Denver families, regardless of income. The program is designed to ensure that every child in Denver can attend a high-quality preschool.
• Eligibility: All Denver families with a 4-year-old child enrolled in a participating preschool are eligible for DPP, regardless of income. The amount of tuition support is based on a sliding scale, taking into account family income and the quality rating of the preschool.
• Benefits: DPP provides tuition credits that are paid directly to the preschool. The program also helps families find quality preschools and offers additional support for children with special needs.

Child Care Contribution Credit (CCAP):

• Description: This is not a program for direct financial assistance but a tax credit available to Colorado taxpayers who contribute to a child care program. The credit is intended to encourage donations to child care organizations, which in turn help support child care services for low-income families.
• Eligibility: Individuals and businesses that make donations to qualifying child care organizations in Colorado can claim this credit.
• Benefits: Donors can receive a tax credit worth up to 50% of their donation, reducing their state income tax liability.

Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCCTC):

• Description: Similar to the Child Care Contribution Credit, this is a tax credit that applies specifically to donations made to promote child care in Colorado. This includes donations to licensed child care facilities and programs that provide child care for low-income families.
• Eligibility: Any taxpayer who makes a qualifying contribution to a licensed child care program or facility.
• Benefits: The CCCTC allows donors to claim a credit of 50% of their donation, which can be applied to their Colorado state income taxes.