Addressing Childcare Needs
La Plata County faces a childcare crisis that directly impacts families, workforce stability, business growth, and economic development. Insufficient childcare capacity results in an annual economic loss of up to $34 million due to lost wages and business disruptions, while families struggle to find care that meets their needs.
Without action, these challenges will persist, making it harder for families to access reliable care and for businesses to attract and retain employees.
Interested in learning more and providing your input? Join us March 12th at 5:30pm for a public presentation at the Durango Public Library. Event Details here.
Community-Driven Strategy
Since July 2024, over 300 community members—including 80% of La Plata County’s licensed childcare providers, 40 major employers, and more than 150 families across Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio—have shaped a community-driven strategy. This extensive collaboration ensures our solutions are ambitious and achievable within La Plata County’s unique context.
The Childcare Strategic Investment Plan aims to reduce childcare costs, increase capacity, and ensure equitable access to quality care for families. Key objectives include:
- Creating Short- and Long-Term Public-Private Partnerships: Working with local businesses and organizations to expand funding and childcare opportunities.
- Increasing Capacity and Accessibility: Targeting financial investments and subsidies to support new and expanding facilities
- Addressing Workforce Retention and Recruitment: Supporting childcare providers to retain and recruit qualified, bilingual staff and to ensure cultural relevance in early education.
Targeted Solutions
Creating a thriving childcare system in La Plata County requires targeted strategies to address critical needs. Our comprehensive, community-driven strategy outlines a five-year, $20 million initiative bringing together public-private funding to create long-term impact.
Childcare Investment Fund – $10M
- Leverages public, private, and philanthropic funding
- Creates an additional 420 childcare slots over three in La Plata County by catalyzing the creation of new childcare providers within target markets.
- Stabilizes the childcare workforce by increasing wages and benefits
Childcare Capital & Infrastructure Fund – $10M
- Operated by First Southwest Bank and First Southwest Community Fund, this fund enables new and existing providers to secure properties, expand operations, and renovate outdated facilities.
- Loan interest loan product to support costs such as facility renovations, facility acquisitions, infrastructure improvements, and equipment purchases.
- Grant support provides down payment assistance up to $50,000 as well as funds available to cover pre-development costs up to $20,000.
Childcare Champions Initiative
- Engages local businesses and employers to support early childhood educators with perks, discounts, and services.
- Strengthens educator retention and builds community-wide support, ensuring families have access to qualified, consistent care providers
How You Can Get Involved
Building a sustainable childcare system requires a collaborative effort. Here’s how different stakeholders can support this initiative:
- Families: Share your experiences to highlight the impact of childcare challenges and advocate for investment in solutions.
- Employers: Contribute at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze tier and receive state tax credits while helping your workforce access stable childcare options.
- Municipal Leaders: Reallocate lodgers’ tax, streamline zoning policies, and support workforce development to make childcare expansion possible.
- Philanthropic Partners: Match employer contributions to expand access and affordability, ensuring more families benefit.
- Community Members: Advocate for childcare investment and champion local childcare as an economic and family priority.
Read the full strategy and share your feedback! Your input is essential in shaping the future of childcare in La Plata County. Provide public comment and help refine the solutions that will support families, businesses, and our local economy.
