Kids First

child laughingKids First is an early childhood resource center that supports quality, affordable childcare choices in Aspen, Pitkin County, CO. We can help you choose childcare, see if you qualify for help to pay for childcare, and provide information about community resources for young children, their families and the early childhood education programs that care for them.

We can help you navigate the childcare system!

We have an inter-active map to help you locate childcare kids-first-childcare-map Opens in new windowprograms!  

Kids First does not recommend one program over another, it is up to you as a family to choose the best program for your child! We can help you navigate the system; contact us if you have questions. You can also click at the bottom of this page to search the Colorado Shines data base.

If you don’t find the information you are looking for here, please contact us. We also have a list of licensed childcare programs in our resource directory.

 Child Abuse Prevention  

We want to keep raising awareness that we all have a role to play to prevent child abuse, not just in April. If you see something that you wonder about, call 844-CO-4-Kids  or 844-264-5437. Local child and adult protection staff will investigate, and provide supports.

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU


We continue to find our way through this pandemic, and it hasn't gotten any easier. Below are some community resources to give you ideas about what to do with and for the children while you are working.

● Elementary-aged childcare: The Aspen Recreation Department (City Day Camp).  Visit www.aspenrecreation.com for more information.
● Middle school-aged child care: The Aspen Youth Center may have spots available. Visit www.aspenyouthcenter.org for more information.
● Self-help: Consider teaming up with families whose children are in your child’s class or supervised learning cohort and make plans to switch out. Please check the public health guidelines, as these do change.

●Recommend anyone needing Mental Health support to Mind Springs Health www.mindspringshealth.org  or (970) 920-5555 and please call 1-877-519 7505 for if you need free mental health support. Please call this number if you need free mental health  support.
● Pitkin County Human Services is here to support our community with connection to resources, economic and food assistance and much more. 
● Kids First can help find childcare for children before they enter Kindergarten. We can also see if you qualify for funding to help pay for childcare. 970-920-5769 or cecelia.martin@cityofaspen.com.

Childcare Financial Aid


The next deadline for everyone to re-apply for Kids First Childcare Financial Aid is August 1, 2022; you can fill out the application on-line! There are additional documents that you will need to email to us, get those taxes done and gather it all up now. You can also try out the calculator before you fill out the application to see if you qualify.

Kids Thrive



Kids Thrive is a page with services and information that helps strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote positive interactions.

Early Childhood Newsletter


Kids First publishes a newsletter for people working in early childhood programs, and community members who are interested in early childhood education - in Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield, and Lake Counties.
If you would like to receive our newsletter, or if you already do, and you have suggestions - you can let us know here!
Find Child Care Resources
Stop Fighting It Hurts Website

Are You a Child Advocate?

These organizations can help you navigate legislation at the state and national level:

Contact us if you have questions - 970-920-5363 or kidsfirst@cityofaspen.com