Kids First

Kids 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.

If you don't find the information you are looking for here, please contact us.

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The application for Kids First Childcare Financial Aid is now available; NEW in 2018 you can fill out the application on-line!
You can also tryout the calculator before you fill out the application to see if you qualify.

We can help you find childcare!



Below is the list of all Pitkin County programs with a link to their websites and the youngest age they enroll. 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 below to search the Colorado Shines data base.

Find a list of licensed childcare programs in our resource directory.

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. With the launch of this new website, we are able to make some changes in the newsletter. If you would like to receive our newsletter, or if you already do, and you have suggestions - you can let us know here!

What makes a child ready for school?

Turns out there are a lot of answers to that question. One thing that is widely agreed is that the secret ingredient is that a child have strong social and emotional skills. It's also clear that this development starts at birth, with loving family and supportive caregivers providing a sense of safety and a buffer against stressful times. We'll be giving you some resources to help you think about this for your child, no matter what age they are right now or when you expect them to begin Kindergarten. Start here, the Zero to Three website that gives more details about the roots of school readiness!

Find Child Care Resources
Stop Fighting It Hurts Website