COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (PRESS RELEASE) – Effective today, November 6, 2024, the El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) will implement a freeze on enrollment in the Social Assistance Program. Child Care of Colorado (CCCAP), which provides child care subsidies to eligible individuals. low-income families. The freeze results from a reduction in CCCAP funding allocations and increased costs due to state-mandated provider rate adjustments, creating financial challenges for Colorado counties, including El Paso.

The registration freeze will temporarily prevent new eligible families from joining the CCCAP. Applications will still be accepted and reviewed to track demand, but full eligibility determinations and registration of new applicants will be postponed until the freeze is lifted. Families currently enrolled in CCCAP who maintain their eligibility will not be affected.

“This enrollment freeze is necessary to ensure the program can continue to serve families already enrolled within our budget constraints,” said Andrew Bunn, deputy executive director of the El Paso County Department of Social Services. “We recognize the importance of CCCAP to families in our community and will work to minimize the impact on those who rely on this program.”

Several other Colorado counties have recently implemented freezes or similar waiting lists for CCCAP due to these financial constraints. El Paso County DHS will continue to document the demand for child care assistance to understand the extent of unmet need and to inform future planning. Once the freeze is lifted, priority will be given to vulnerable populations, including homeless families and children with additional care needs.

Families impacted by the CCCAP freeze can seek additional resources through programs such as SNAP and LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) and local child care support agencies. For more information and guidance on available programs, families can contact El Paso County DHS or visit www.ElPasoCo.com.

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