Chapin Hall

Evaluating Colorado’s Early Child Care Facilities: A Review of the Physical State of Properties and Potential for Expansion 

 What We Did

A team of Chapin Hall experts collaborated with the Community Development Institute to assess the condition of early child care facilities in Colorado. This project was initiated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood to evaluate the physical state of child care locations and identify opportunities and challenges communities face in expanding child care. Surveys were conducted with current and potential child care providers, focusing on key themes including building conditions and environmental health; financial costs, including maintenance expenses; challenges with zoning, permitting, and regulations; and opportunities and barriers to expansion. 

What We Found 

• Aging Facilities: 37% of facilities are between 21–40 years old, and 26% are 41 years or older, leading to higher maintenance costs. 

• Funding Challenges: 

• • 96% of family child care home providers and 72% of community-based providers lack sufficient funds for building improvements or urgent repairs.
  • COVID Relief funds were the most common funding source for upgrades, but these are no longer available. Tax incentives were less utilized than grants. 

• Facility Adaptations: 

• • Nearly 75% of child care programs operate in buildings originally designed for other purposes. 

• • 44% of providers handle facility repairs and custodial work themselves, and 10% lack dedicated maintenance staff. 

• Environmental Safety: Most facilities have been assessed for lead in water (79%) and radon (75%), but fewer have been tested for lead paint (50%) or asbestos (43%). 

• Expansion Potential: 

• • About one-third of respondents indicated they have unused or underused space for potential child care. 

• • While only 15–17% of current providers face challenges with zoning, permitting, and licensing, these were cited as significant barriers by potential providers looking to expand services. 

What It Means 

To address the needs of child care providers and potential providers, the recommendations emphasize strengthening technical assistance, improving communication on financial supports, and expanding grant opportunities. A tailored technical assistance program should guide providers through regulatory processes, facility design, and business planning, using regional approaches and offering workshops, one-on-one consultations, and resource guides. The team also recommends communication plans should disseminate information on tax credits, grants, and loans through accessible online platforms, newsletters, and social media, while sharing success stories to encourage participation. Additionally, a robust grant program should support both facility maintenance and expansion, with dedicated funds for urgent repairs and incentives for preventive upkeep. Expansion grants should prioritize high-need areas and require sustainability plans to ensure long-term impact. 

Local-level efforts should streamline zoning processes and advocate for flexible zoning laws to reduce barriers for child care facilities. Creating an online platform to connect providers with available spaces, alongside mentorship programs and startup grants, can build a pipeline of new providers, particularly in underserved areas. Partnerships with state and local agencies, community organizations, and the private sector should enhance resource sharing and outreach.  

For more information about this work, contact  Jon Korfmacher.