“Affordable housing
and accessible childcare
can grow together.”
A Better Way Forward
for Steamboat Springs
Steamboat faces two intertwined challenges: affordable housing and accessible childcare. Across Colorado, communities are addressing both of these together by designing housing that supports in-home, licensed childcare providers. This practical, lower capital intensive model strengthens families, expands childcare, and keeps our workforce local. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, there are models that are proven and successful!
“Smart growth means building housing that
works for the families who make
Steamboat work."
Affordable Housing
+ In-Home Childcare:
A Better Way Forward for Steamboat Springs
Proven Success: The Ouray Model
In Ouray, Rural Homes and Bright Futures partnered to create an award-winning program that combines affordable housing with licensed in-home childcare. Residents can operate small childcare businesses directly from their homes. This model will provide income while serving their neighbors. The model was recognized with the 2025 EPIC Early Childhood Champion Award for its innovation and community impact.
How Steamboat Can Lead:
Design and require childcare ready units in new developments including ground floor, family friendly layouts with fenced play yards.
Empower residents to become licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers under Colorado HB21-1222.
Partner with local groups First Impressions, Routt County Early Childhood Council, Department of Local Affairs(DOLA), for licensing support and startup grants.
Incentivize developers and make mandatory thresholds to include childcare ready homes in future City RFPs and annexation agreements.
Make this a mandatory requirement for the use of any STR funds for new construction based on demands per unit capita basis. IE every 15-20 single family units would require one in home childcare facility accommodated structure.
Provide business education and ongoing financial literacy support to the home Childcare provider.
Provide and foster mentorships with successful in home childcare providers.
Use fast track plan review and provide dedicated mentorship for new applicants, provide these services with diversity, including Spanish translation and mentorship.
