For more than two decades, I have been dedicatedly working with low-income families in Colorado, witnessing firsthand the immense challenges they face despite receiving childcare assistance. Without access to affordable childcare, countless parents find themselves at a crossroads, forced to choose between staying home with their children or maintaining their employment. This isn't just a dilemma faced by the families we serve; it is a threat to our childcare providers as well, including our teachers and myself. The potential collapse of childcare assistance could drive many of us into bankruptcy, stripping away our livelihoods and the homes we have tirelessly worked for.

This petition seeks the immediate attention of the Colorado state government. We need a sustainable plan to ensure that working parents continue to receive crucial childcare funding through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and that providers can continue offering their invaluable services. By providing consistent support, we can keep parents employed, maintain stable homes for countless families, and preserve the vitality of businesses within the childcare sector.

Investing in CCAP isn't merely a financial commitment—it's a pledge to uphold the welfare and economic stability of Colorado’s communities. Childcare is an essential service, one that enables parents to participate in the workforce and contributes significantly to the economy. Without it, the repercussions will be immediate and devastating: job losses, economic downfalls, and a climate of insecurity and instability for families and businesses alike.

Moreover, it is essential for Licensing and all Early Childhood Councils in Colorado to continue providing their support and services to all childcare providers. These bodies are pivotal in ensuring the quality and sustainability of childcare services. Their work underpins the operational framework that allows providers to deliver safe, reliable, and enriching environments for our children.

Our call to action is vital. We urge policymakers and community leaders to recognize the critical nature of these services and to act with urgency. We need concrete commitments to secure funding and support systems that enable families to thrive.

Let us unite for this cause—to protect and preserve the fundamental rights of families and the professionals who support them. Please add your name to this petition to demand that Colorado leaders guarantee ongoing funding and support for childcare assistance. Together, we can make a significant difference for countless families across the state.