Growing Together - Panda Friends

Recently, the Larimer County Department of Human Services made the decision to freeze Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, creating significant challenges for low-income families who rely on this assistance to access quality childcare services. The CCAP program plays a vital role in supporting working families by providing financial assistance to cover childcare expenses. Currently, 80% of the families enrolled at El Nidito, the amazing daycare that Minu attends, rely on financial assistance to cover the cost of childcare.  

El Nidito is an incredible community of caring educators, and we feel so lucky that Minu gets to go there and that we can afford to send her there. Sadly this is not the case for many families, and this freeze will only make it harder for parents to afford quality care for their kids. Minu loves her friends in the Panda room, and throughout the school, and we want to make sure they can all continue to learn and grow together.

In response, I have joined the Growing Together Campaign to benefit El Nidito Scholarship Fund. This campaign encourages individuals and teams to become advocates for the cause to collect donations from their circles. The goal is to bridge the gap caused by the CCAP freeze in Larimer County, ensuring that children at El Nidito have access to uninterrupted, high-quality early education and care. We need your help in ensuring the families affected by the CCAP freeze continue to have access to affordable childcare.

Financial implications to a dual income home with two kids in childcare who need CCAP: 

Without CCAP: 

Monthly Income:
Gross Earned Income (Minimum Wage Job): $3,000
SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps): $200
Total Gross Monthly Income: $3,200

Monthly Expenses:
Rent: $1,200
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): $200
Groceries: $600
Childcare (Without CCAP): $3,200
Diapers/ Formula: $300
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Household Items, etc.): $450
Total Monthly Expenses: $5,950

Budget Shortfall: -$2,750

Thank you so much for your support in helping The Family Center/ La Familia reach their goal and ensuring Minu and her friends can all be part of this wonderful community!