Adams County Addresses Critical Childcare Shortage

Parents across Colorado are struggling with limited childcare availability and escalating costs. Adams County is responding to this crisis with a new initiative designed to support both childcare providers and the families they serve.

The Scope of the Problem

According to the Common Sense Institute’s 2025 Child Care Opportunity Index, parents in Adams County spend approximately 22% of their household income on childcare. Despite a need for care for nearly 39,650 children under the age of six, only 12,633 spots are currently available.

Financial Strain on Families

Catie Seperich, a mother of two in Adams County, described the challenges of finding affordable childcare. “To me, a career was important. But it does make you rethink when you learn how much it is, whether it’s worth it or not,” she told Denver7.

County's New Property Tax Incentive

Bill Aiken, Adams County’s deputy director of community development, acknowledged the extreme need and rising costs within the childcare sector. He explained that factors like increasing land costs, construction expenses, and property taxes are driving up prices for providers.

How the Incentive Works

To address these challenges, Adams County is offering a property tax incentive to eligible childcare providers. Providers can receive at least 50% back on the county portion of their property taxes. Those caring for infants and toddlers may qualify for up to a 100% rebate.

“Commercial facilities will have about $11,200 that could be rebated back to them. And home care providers, on average, will receive about $1,000 in rebates this year,” Aiken stated.

Program Details and Timeline

The program will operate as a one-year pilot, running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Applications for the first year will be accepted between July 1 and September 15.

The county will evaluate the program’s effectiveness before making any decisions about its continuation. While acknowledging it’s not an immediate fix, officials hope the initiative will stimulate conversation and contribute to a broader solution. Seperich echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think a lot needs to change, honestly.”