Lack of capacity to accommodate families’ childcare needs, and difficulties with affording childcare has plagued counties across the state for years. “Families like to find consistent care if they can,” said Sarah Romack, director of the Chaffee County Early Childhood Council (CCECC). “Chaffee parents rely heavily on unlicensed providers. Licensed childcareA licensed childcare business in the home can have six to 12 kids, and “there are lots of requirements,” said Romack. “Now, it’s a full department.”In 2022, Governor Polis worked with the CDEC, early childhood councils, and champions across the state to create Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK).