(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) has implemented an enrollment freeze for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) effective immediately on Wednesday, Nov. 6. CCCAP provides childcare subsidies for eligible low-income families. The freeze comes after reduced funding allocations and increased costs due to state-mandated rate adjustments that created financial challenges for counties across Colorado, including El Paso County according to DHS. The freeze will prevent new eligible families from joining CCCAP temporarily. Applications will still be accepted and screened, but full eligibility and enrollment for new applications will be deferred until the freeze is lifted. “This enrollment freeze is necessary to ensure the program can continue serving families already enrolled within our budget constraints,” said Andrew Bunn, Deputy Executive Director of El Paso County Department of Human Services. “We recognize the importance of CCCAP for families in our community and will work to minimize the impact on those who rely on this program.” Families who are currently enrolled in CCCAP, will not be affected. El Paso County DHS will continue to document the demand for childcare assistance to understand the scope of unmet needs and inform future planning. Families affected by the freeze can seek additional resources through programs such as SNAP, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, (LEAP), or local childcare support agencies. Once the freeze is lifted, priority will be given to vulnerable populations, including families who are experiencing homelessness and children with additional care needs.