Press Releases

BROOMFIELD – U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) leadership, and local representatives at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School for a tour, classroom visit, and discussion on the recent expiration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. This federal funding supported 4,374 child care facilities across the state – including this one – and 59,764 Colorado children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Colorado faces significant child care challenges, ranking 4th in the nation for highest costs, with limited availability. A recent study found that the state has approximately 75,000 more children under the age of six than available spots at licensed child care facilities. Additionally, providers still struggle with a shortage of qualified early childhood professionals despite increases in educators from stimulus-funded strategies. 

“When I was pregnant, I toured a child care facility and found myself on a three-year-long waiting list, but we were fortunate that a spot eventually opened up for my son, Davis,” said Pettersen. “Unfortunately, many families in Colorado aren’t as lucky. As a state legislator, I sponsored numerous bills during the pandemic to help keep child care centers afloat, increase access in child care deserts, and support loan forgiveness programs for our early childhood educators. Funding from the American Rescue Plan was critical in sustaining these facilities, but now, without it, many are struggling to stay open. Congress must act and pass commonsense measures like the ones I recently introduced because expanding access to child care strengthens our economy and represents the best investment in our children’s future.” 

During the visit, Pettersen highlighted how ARPA funding enabled the school to reopen its infant and toddler rooms and provide quality materials for classrooms. Following the tour, Rep. Pettersen heard from CDEC leaders, staff, and parents about the critical need for more resources following the expiration of federal funding. Pettersen highlighted the need for Congress to pass key legislation she recently introduced: The Child Care Infrastructure Act, The Child Care Workforce Development Act, and The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act.