Finding childcare, particularly for infants and toddlers, has long been a challenge for working parents in Estes Park. Limited licensed providers, long waitlists, and a high cost of living have made it difficult for families to stay in town, even as tourism generates millions of dollars each year.
Later this year, the YMCA of the Rockies plans to open new toddler spaces in its preschool and daycare programs, a move local officials say reflects both growing demand and increased investment through a voter-approved lodging tax known as 6E. Passed three years ago, the tax generates about $5 million annually, with 80 percent supporting workforce housing and 20 percent, roughly $1 million, funding childcare.
How 6E supports families
The childcare dollars are administered primarily through Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success, which provides tuition assistance to families earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For a family of four, that threshold is roughly $92,000 a year. EVICS distributes funds directly to providers, with families paying a copay based on income and attendance.
Demand has grown steadily. In early 2023, EVICS supported 10 to 15 children per month. By December 2025, that number had climbed to 46, and 49 children are currently on scholarship. “Part of what has changed our caseload is the availability of childcare funding from the 6E tax, and also the availability of childcare facilities,” said Sarah Schmidt, EVICS’ childcare resource specialist.
EVICS works with two childcare centers, three licensed home-based providers, and two unlicensed home-based providers. All but one center is at full capacity or has a waitlist.
Infant care remains scarce
The most acute shortage is care for infants and young toddlers. According to the town, there are 57 licensed childcare spots in the Estes Valley and only six for infants, all in home-based settings. YMCA and Mountain Top are licensed only for children over age two, leaving families with infants almost entirely dependent on home-based providers.
“We have a great need for childcare for infants and young toddlers,” Schmidt said. “Finding space in already full schedules is difficult.”
Costs and access
While Estes childcare rates are historically lower than in Loveland or Fort Collins, Carlie Bangs, the town’s housing and childcare manager, said availability, not cost, is the primary barrier. “Lower rates don’t help families if there are no open spots,” she said. Infant care still costs more than care for older children due to staffing ratios and licensing requirements.
School enrollment trends
Broader demographic shifts have affected the town. Over the past five years, high housing costs, limited services, and hospital closures, including pediatrics and maternity units, have led to fewer young families in town. The local school district, which had about 1,200 students before COVID, is projected to enroll in the low 900s for the 2025–2026 school year.
But declining school enrollment hasn’t reduced demand for early childhood care. Schmidt said many families homeschool or send children to other districts, meaning the caseload for childcare assistance continues to rise. “These factors wouldn’t necessarily affect the amount of early childhood care needed in town,” she said.
Looking ahead: funding uncertainty
Local officials are monitoring potential impacts from recent federal childcare funding cuts in Colorado. The town plans to work closely with EVICS, Larimer County, and the county’s Early Childhood Council to support families who may lose state assistance.
New county-level initiatives, including Thrive by Five, provide assistance only for children up to age five, which could create future gaps for school-aged children, particularly as the Estes Park School District schedules additional non-instructional days.
For now, the YMCA’s upcoming toddler spaces represent progress, but the underlying shortage, especially for infants, remains. As Estes Park continues to rely on tourism revenue to support its workforce, officials hope investments like 6E will help stabilize childcare access and retain young families in town.
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