Senate Passes Bill to Address High Cost of Child Care

SB25-004 would create transparency with application and waitlist fees for private child care centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, to address the high cost of child care passed the Senate today.

SB25-004 would require private child care centers to provide a transparent fee schedule upon registration, when joining a waitlist, or at the request of a family. The bill would also require application or waitlist fees to be refundable after six months if a child is not admitted and remains on the waitlist. 

"The rising cost of child care is a significant hurdle for countless families across Colorado," said Marchman. "By establishing clear guidelines for application and wait list fees as well as deposits, we can provide tangible relief to working families. With application fees often exceeding $175 per child, these costs add up quickly and put unnecessary pressure on household budgets. This bill ensures child care becomes more affordable and accessible, empowering more families to find the care they need without financial hardship."

"The lack of transparency on child care fees burdens families with unexpected expenses," said Winter. "I hear from so many parents in my community that they are struggling to find child care. Limiting waitlist fees and adding transparency to application fees on child care center websites and forms reduces financial uncertainty and helps parents make informed decisions about what’s best for them."

These requirements would apply to private child care programs outside the Universal Preschool Program, Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, and Head Start. A center may charge a deposit, but if admitted, the deposit must go towards tuition of child care. 

SB25-004 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.