Press Release
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Kids First distributes $162,318 in funding to 10 local schools
Part of inaugural Base Operational Funding Grant program
**Aspen, CO – **The city of Aspen and Kids First have distributed just over $162,000 in funding to 10 licensed early childhood programs in Pitkin County, marking the first round of funding through the city’s new Base Operational Funding Grant program.
Approved by Aspen City Council in June 2026, the Base Operational Funding Grant program is a direct effort to advance the council’s goal of early childhood education programmatic enhancement and optimization.
Funding was distributed across four categories to support early childhood programs and their staff:
Wages and staffing: 38%
Health and wellness benefits: 26%
Professional development: 16%
Other operational needs: 20%
“We are grateful to Aspen City Council for recognizing the importance of supporting our local early childhood programs and for making this funding available,” said Nancy Nichols, Kids First co-manager. “This investment gives schools additional resources to support their staff and classrooms and helps strengthen the early childhood education system in our community.”
The Base Operational Funding program will continue in 2027, with approximately $400,000 available for eligible early childhood programs. The grant will reopen in January 2027, when qualifying schools and programs can reapply for more funding.
The city recognizes that accessible, sustainable childcare supports families who live and work in Pitkin County and contributes to the strength of the broader community and economy. Through strategic base funding, the program is intended to help qualifying childcare programs address operational needs and maintain sustainable services.
For more information about the Base Operational Funding Grant Program, visit aspen.gov/kidsfirst.
For more information please contact:
Nancy Nichols, Kids First co-manager
Phone: 970-920-5372
Email: [email protected]
Madie Bailey, communications coordinator
Phone: 970-309-1569
Email: [email protected]