TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. page 2

Why Child Care and Child Care Affordability are Vital to Colorado.............................. page 4

The Child Care Landscape: Types, Availability and Price................................................ page 5

Factors that Contribute to the High Price of Child Care................................................... page 8

Family Income Varies Greatly Within the State and Across the Country........................ page 12

Affordability Varies According to Child Care Price and Family Income........................ page 17

Strategies for Improving Affordability.................................................................................. page 211. Expand access to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)2. Invest in and expand other statewide and local initiatives that support

families’ child care needs3. Expand federal investments in child care affordability4. Provide incentives for businesses to adopt family-friendly practices that help

employees address child care needs5. Explore innovative practices to improve efficiency and help families afford

child care costs6. Provide families with accessible information on child care options and

sources of assistance

Conclusion and Next Steps.................................................................................................. page 27