The Denver Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance for childcare benefits. CCAP is open to eligible, low-income families with children from birth to age 13.
Effective January 1, 2025, Denver County’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will be going on an enrollment FREEZE for all new applicants. This freeze is being enacted as a result of increased program expenses that exceed available funding for the program.
What does this mean?
All current customers will retain their CCAP benefits through the freeze. No customers will lose their benefits as a result of the freeze; however, they must submit their redetermination packets by their due date in order to ensure continued benefits. If they do not turn in their redetermination packets on time, they could lose their childcare benefits.
New Process in 2025: Pre-screening Questionnaire
Any new applicants may fill out a pre-screen eligibility questionnaire to be added to the freeze list. Should the freeze be lifted, customers will be notified to apply by DHS CCAP staff based on department rules, which will be published on our website.
Fill out the form in a new window
Click here to view form.
There are many Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) providers across Denver. To find a provider near you, use the interactive map at the link below:
Colorado Child Care Assistance: Denver Providers
Need a navigator to help you find the right provider? The Colorado Shines Child Care Referrals team at Mile High United Way can help you find a provider that accepts Denver CCAP, meets your needs, and has openings. To contact them, call 2-1-1 or email childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org.
Preschool and Other Programs
There are a few organizations that can help you locate and pay for preschool for your child:
Verifications
You can submit any verifications to us directly by emailing denverccap@denvergov.org.
Changes
If you need to submit a change form:
- Download the Denver CCAP Change Form(PDF, 149KB).
- Email the completed form to us:
denverccap@denvergov.org
Hardship Requests
CCAP Hardship Request Form
To request reduced child care assistance fees:
- Download and fill out the CCAP Hardship Request Form(PDF, 146KB).
- Then, submit it to your child care assistance caseworker by emailing denverccap@denvergov.org.
Redetermination of Eligibility
When you are going through redetermination, you will need to meet certain income guidelines - just like when you first applied. Review the income guidelines in the box below.
Income Guidelines
It’s important to check if you meet the income requirements to qualify for Denver CCAP. You will need:
- The number of people who live in your household (including yourself). This is your household size.
- Your household’s monthly income before taxes are taken out.
Then, follow these steps - which are relevant for redetermination:
- Starting with the first column in the table below, find the row with the number that matches your household size.
- Staying in that same row, follow the chart to the third (far right) column and look at the dollar amount.
- Compare the number on the chart to your monthly income. Remember, this is the amount *before* taxes are taken out.
If you are under the listed amount in the table, you may meet income requirements for Denver CCAP redetermination of eligibility. Our staff will verify this with you as part of the application process.
The 2023/2024 Denver CCAP income requirements (effective Oct. 1, 2023) are as follows:
| Household Size |
Gross Income Limit at Application
(235% of the Federal Poverty Level, or FPL) |
Gross Income Limit at Redetermination
(85% of the State Median Income, or SMI) |
| 2 |
$3,861.83 |
$5,709.58 |
| 3 |
$4,868.42 |
$7,053.01 |
| 4 |
$5,875.00 |
$8,396.44 |
| 5 |
$6,881.58 |
$9,739.87 |
| 6 |
$7,888.17 |
$11,083.30 |
| 7 |
$8,894.75 |
$11,335.20 |
| 8 |
$8,894.75 |
$11,587.09 |
| 9 |
$10,907.92 |
$11,838.98 |
| Additional |
$428.33 |
$251.89 |
Download the Redetermination Form
To submit a CCAP redetermination form, start by downloading the form using the links below:
Child Care Assistance Redetermination Form - English(PDF, 6MB)
Child Care Assistance Redetermination Form - Spanish(PDF, 4MB)
Then, submit your completed form to us by emailing denverccap@denvergov.org.
Processing Timelines
Please plan ahead:
- It takes 15 days (from the received date) to process applications and redeterminations.
- Due to high volume, it may take us between 30-60 days to process your applications and redeterminations.
- It takes 10 days (from the received date) for changes and verifications.
- Due to high volume, it may take us between 30-60 days to process your changes and verifications.
- It takes 5 days (from the received date) to process TANF referrals from your case manager.
You will be notified via email and/or phone when your information has been processed and a determination is made.
Attendance Tracking System (ATS) - Tips and Common Questions
Attendance Tracking System (ATS) Tips
Here are some quick tips for using the Attendance Tracking System (ATS):
- Check-in and check-out every day your child receives care.
- Confirm your check-in and check-out times every time you pick up your child. You can do this by accessing the Confirmations screen from the parent kiosk.
- iPad users: make sure you only click on the exclamation point (!), not the time. If you click on the time, the screen will not load correctly, and you will not see a "confirm" button.
- Use the Alerts screen to identify any transactions missing a check-in or check-out time, or to identify transactions that require your approval. Review the oldest records first to make sure your child care is approved within the required 9-day timeline.
- If you did not receive an email, or it has been over 24 hours, you can follow these instructions to reset your PIN:
- Select “Forgot PIN?” from the provider’s device at the provider’s location in Kiosk View.
- A new email will be sent to you to set up your PIN but will only be valid for 24 hours.
- Make sure you are checking your spam folder for these emails.
Still need help? Watch ATS training videos, guides and updates:
Colorado Department of Early Childhood's ATS Training Video Playlist
If you still need help, email the ATS Help Desk:
cdec_ats_helpdesk@state.co.us
How do I reset my PIN?
On the parent kiosk at your provider, click on the forgot PIN link and enter your email address associated with your Denver CCAP case. You will receive an email to reset, and you will need to enter a new PIN.
I am trying to choose a PIN, and I keep getting an error message. Why?
The PIN you are trying to select may already be in use. Try selecting a different PIN. If that does not work, please contact the ATS help desk:
cdec_ats_helpdesk@state.co.us
What if the email address I used to set up my ATS account has expired?
On the parent kiosk at your provider, click on the forgot PIN link. Enter the email address associated with your CCAP case. You will receive an email to reset your PIN, and you will need to enter a new PIN.
This email link is only good for 24 hours, so you will need to do this as soon as possible.
What if I didn’t get an email to set up my ATS account?
In your email account, check both your "Junk" and "Spam" folders. If you still can't find the email, reach out to your Denver CCAP Case Manager. They will check to see if they have the right email address.
How do I check my child in?
Click on your child’s picture. Then, click the check in box. On the side of the picture, you will see that your child is checked in.
How do I do a previous check in or check out?
Only your provider can do that. Talk with your provider so they can create a transaction, and you can confirm it.
How can someone else check my child in and out?
- Click on the household icon.
- Then, click the delegate tab.
- Click the plus sign.
- Enter their email address.
My provider doesn’t have a device or internet. What do I do?
Make sure that you are signing your child in and out at the provider.
Parent Fees
Parent Fee Information
If your family has income and you're eligible for Denver CCAP, you may have to pay a portion of childcare costs to your childcare provider each month. The amount you have to pay is based on your gross income, the number of people in your household, and the number of children in care.
You should pay this fee directly to your childcare provider at the beginning of each month. It is the first payment the provider will receive for providing care for your children. If you do not pay the parent fee, childcare benefits may end. You may be unable to receive benefits in the future. Your parent fees must be paid even if you change childcare providers.
The parent fee covers the amount of care agreed upon between you and Denver CCAP. The amount is shown on your Authorization Eligibility Notice.
Providers cannot charge you more than the county's rate for your authorized childcare. However, providers can charge you for any hours used beyond your approved hours and late fees if you pick up your child after hours.
New CCAP Applications
How long will the freeze last?
The freeze is indefinite. Once the freeze is lifted, DHS will either A) implement a wait list to allow priority populations to apply or B) open applications.
How does this impact Child Welfare?
Child Welfare will continue to provide 90 days of care to their clients via the Child Welfare Block Grant. Once that time has expired these clients may apply for Low Income CCAP but they will be placed on the freeze list.
How does this impact Colorado Works?
If a customer is receiving CCAP through Colorado Works, there will be no changes to their childcare. If a customer qualifies for a transition to Low Income CCAP, their Case Manager will approve and send it to the CCAP team. Customers will be responsible for maintaining their eligibility.
Why should someone fill out any forms if you're not accepting new families?
Filling out the pre-screen eligibility form will determine preliminary eligibility for CCAP. If the freeze is lifted, we will prioritize those on the freeze list to be invited to apply over new applicants.
Once an applicant fills out a pre-screen eligibility form, what should they expect?
Applicants will be notified by DHS CCAP staff if they are approved to go on the list. If they are approved, they will be added to the freeze list. They will receive communication from DHS CCAP to recertify your spot on the freeze list on an annual basis. They must recertify at that time, or they will lose your spot on the list and will need to be reauthorized. If the freeze is lifted, they will be notified by DHS CCAP staff to fill out a full application to be considered for enrollment.
Current Client and Other FAQs
I am moving to Denver. How do I transfer my CCAP case?
If you are receiving CCAP in another county, you do not have to apply in Denver County right away. Your current county will cover you until your redetermination date.
When you receive your redetermination packet from your original county, send the completed packet to Denver County:
How do I change my provider?
Please gather the following information:
- Name of your new provider
- Provider number
- How many children need child care
- Date when care should start
Then, send that information to Denver CCAP:
Please plan ahead. It will take up to 10 days (after received) to process your provider change.
I am on TANF. How do I apply for CCAP, or make changes?
If you are on TANF and need to make CCAP provider changes, email us at denverccap@denvergov.org.
For all other changes and questions about applying, talk to your TANF Case Manager.
How do I get my parent fee decreased?
If you can't afford your parent fee, you can request a parent fee reassessment. This could lower the cost of your parent fee. To get started:
- Collect 30 days of paystubs
- Email your paystubs to denverccap@denvergov.org.
The Denver CCAP staff will then reassess your monthly parent fee.
If you are experiencing a financial hardship, you can submit a financial hardship form:
Download the Financial Hardship Form(PDF, 146KB)
If you recently lost your job, please send verification that your job has ended to denverccap@denvergov.org.
Why did my CCAP end or stop?
If you are receiving TANF and your CCAP ended or stopped, please contact your Case Manager.
If you are not receiving TANF and your CCAP ended or stopped, please email denverccap@denvergov.org with:
- Your full name
- Your case number
A technician will respond to you with specifics about why your CCAP ended or stopped.
How do I add my newborn to my CCAP case?
- Fill out page 3 of the Denver CCAP application.
- Email it to denverccap@denvergov.org.
- In your email, please indicate if your newborn child needs care.
Please plan ahead. Once we receive your CCAP change, it will take up to 10 days to process.
How do I open an encrypted email from CCAP?
Please follow these steps to open an encrypted email:
- Click on the message attachment. The system will take you to a page that gives you the option to sign in or to use a one-time passcode.
- Click on the link to use a one-time passcode.
- The system will then send a passcode to your email. Copy this passcode from the email you receive.
- Put the passcode in the spot where it is requested.
- The attachment should open, and you should be able to read your email.
Denver County Child Care Resources
- Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) is a state-run program that aims to ensure all children across Colorado have access to high-quality preschool in the year before kindergarten. Colorado Universal Preschool is overseen by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Call (303) 595-4377
- Denver Great Kids Head Start prepares preschoolers to enter kindergarten with the social, physical, emotional, cognitive skills and competencies necessary for continued school success. Comprehensive child development programs and support services are available to pregnant moms, infants, toddlers, and the whole family through our Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
- Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) provide free referral and education services to families seeking childcare. Local CCR&Rs can walk families through the complexities of the childcare system, providing them with the tools needed to make an informed childcare decision. They can provide families with free referrals to childcare programs matching their needs and preferences. They can also share information about childcare locations, quality ratings, hours of operation and background, as well as state health and safety requirements and financial assistance, such as the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Families can contact resource and referral services for free by dialing 211, or by calling 1-877-338-CARE (2273).
Other Resources
- My Friend Ben is a mobile-first assessment tool that helps families/individuals know what benefits they are entitled to, as well as the estimated cash value and time to receive those benefits. To learn more about other benefits for which you may be eligible, please visit www.denvergov.org/myfriendben
- The Office of Children’s Affairs warmly welcomes all youth aged 5 to 18 to receive a nutritious after-school supper and/or snack at various Tasty Food sites across the city. No ID or registration required – just come on over and enjoy! To find a Tasty Food site near you, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/Tasty-Foods - This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
- Food Bank of the Rockies offers mobile food pantries will provide fresh and shelf- stable items.
- The purpose of the federally-funded Food Assistance Program is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among low- income households by increasing their food purchasing power. Eligible households who apply receive a monthly benefit allotment. Households can redeem their allotment for food items only using an Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) card.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program that provides education, breastfeeding support, healthy food, and other services free of charge to families who qualify. WIC’s goal is to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under age 5 healthy.
- The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating and water costs.