Child Care + Child Support

 

Raising kids can be hard when you don't have a lot of money. But there are some programs that can help you take care of your children and get support for them.

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) can make child care more affordable for you. This program can help you pay for child care while you work, go to school, or look for a job.

If you need help getting child support from the other parent to help with the costs of raising your child, there is help for that too. Click here to jump to Child Support Services.

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program


Important Update:

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Enrollment Freeze

 

Starting January 1, 2025, the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is unable to accept new families due to changes in program funding. We currently do not have information about when new families can apply. Families already enrolled in CCAP are not affected.

If you’re interested in enrolling in CCAP in the future, please download and complete the freeze form. This will help us check if you are eligible and contact you when the freeze ends. This is not a full application, and you’ll need to apply again when enrollment reopens.

Forms are available at the Mesa County Workforce Center, or you can download the form below.

After you fill out the form, turn it in at the Mesa County Workforce Center.

Address: 510 29 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

  • Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

  • Closed Saturday & Sunday.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Call the Mesa County Workforce Center at (970) 248-0871.

 

 

What is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program?

 

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps eligible families access childcare at a reduced cost. Parents are required to pay a portion of their child care costs, called the parent fee, which is based on family income and the number of people in their household. CCCAP covers the cost of care after the parent fee.


 

Who can apply?

 

Low-income parents who are: 

  • Working

  • Searching for employment

  • In an educational activity (junior high school, high school, and GED, as well as post-secondary, vocational, or technical training) 

Families that are enrolled in the Colorado Works Program can also receive CCCAP.


 

Selecting a Child Care Provider:

 

You are responsible for selecting a childcare provider for your children, but there are many options available. You can select a licensed child care center, a licensed child care home, or a friend, neighbor, or relative caretaker, depending on what best fits your family’s needs.

  • BridgeCare
    BridgeCare is a directory developed by the Mesa County Partnership for Children & Families. It features a dedicated search engine designed to help you find childcare providers that fit your family's needs. You can quickly check for current openings, saving time and reducing the need for back-and-forth phone calls. Each provider has a profile with details like hours, schedules, and licensing information—some even include pictures and extra details about their programs.

  • Colorado Shines
    You can also visit Colorado Shines to help identify licensed providers that accept CCCAP and for helpful tips on finding child care that’s right for your family.


 

Colorado Universal Preschool Program

 

Colorado's Universal Preschool Program helps make sure all children who will start kindergarten next year can go to preschool for free for half a day (15 hours per week). Three-year-olds who qualify are also eligible for part-time preschool (10 hours per week).

 

What is Colorado PEAK?

 

Colorado PEAK is an online service where you can apply for benefits such as Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). It allows you to check your eligibility, submit applications, and manage your benefits all in one place. Colorado PEAK makes it easy to access the health care and financial support you need.

You can also apply for food assistance, cash assistance, and other benefits online using Colorado PEAK.


 

Is There a Mobile App?

 

Download the MyCOBenefits app to apply using your mobile phone.

iPhone | Apple App Store - MyCOBenefits

Android | Google Play Store - MyCOBenefits

 

Child Support Services


 

What is the Mesa County Child Support Services Program?

 

The Mesa County Child Support Services team works with families to make sure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive.

You can find many helpful services on the Colorado Child Support website, including:

  • Applying for child support services

  • Access your Family Support Registry (FSR) account and services such as payment records and payment information.

  • How and when to request changes to child support

  • Different ways to make and receive child support payments

  • Frequently asked questions about child support in Colorado


 

How We Can Help:

 

Mesa County Child Support Services team may also be able to help you:

  • Establish a child support order that includes health insurance coverage to be provided by the mother, father, or either parent.

  • Collect child support payments

  • Make changes to existing child support

  • Establish parentage.


 

How to Apply:

 

There are two ways to apply for Child Support Services:

Online
Complete an application on the Colorado Child Support website.

In-Person
Paper applications are available at the Mesa County Workforce Center

Address: 512 29 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

  • Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

  • Closed Saturday & Sunday.

Need More Help?

The Child Care Assistance and Child Support Services Programs are just one way the teams at Mesa County Passages and Workforce Center can support you. Check out these other resources and services:

  • Food + Grocery Assistance

    Resources to help you access nutritious food.

  • Medicaid + Healthcare

    Healthcare options for your health and wellness.

  • Cash Assistance

    Financial support to help you meet your basic needs.

  • Child Care + Child Support

    Help getting child care and child support.

  • Mental Health + Crisis Services

    Resources for managing mental health and crises.


If you, your child, or any child you know is being abused or neglected, or if you need urgent help, please call our hotline right away at 970-242-1211.

The safety and well-being of you and your children matter.