Hickenlooper Addresses Childcare Funding Concerns in Grand Junction

Senator discusses federal restrictions on Colorado's child care assistance program during Western Slope visit.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:25am

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A nostalgic, cinematic painting of a single-story childcare center building in soft, warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of uncertainty and concern about the future of childcare services.The uncertain future of childcare funding casts a shadow over Colorado communities like Grand Junction.Grand Junction Today

Senator John Hickenlooper visited Grand Junction, Colorado to speak with the community about the cost of childcare and federal funding restrictions on the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Hickenlooper criticized the Trump administration's efforts to pull back funding for the program, which he said is critical for working families and childcare centers. A federal judge has blocked the administration's restrictions, but funding remains frozen in Mesa County.

Why it matters

Childcare affordability and access is a major issue impacting families and the economy in Colorado. The potential loss of CCAP funding would significantly disrupt childcare services across the state, making it harder for parents to work and putting financial strain on childcare providers.

The details

During his visit, Hickenlooper toured the Confluence Center of Colorado and praised the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children in the classrooms. He criticized the Trump administration for notifying Colorado earlier this year about funding restrictions for CCAP, which the administration alleges has issues with fraud. Kelsey Petersen-Hardie, director of STREAM Preschool, said CCAP subsidies are critical for working families to afford childcare and for centers to pay quality teachers a living wage.

  • Hickenlooper visited Grand Junction on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Trump administration notified Colorado about CCAP funding restrictions earlier this year.
  • A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's restrictions, but funding remains frozen in Mesa County as of April 2026.

The players

John Hickenlooper

A U.S. Senator representing Colorado who previously served as the state's governor from 2011 to 2019.

Kelsey Petersen-Hardie

The director of STREAM Preschool, a childcare center that relies on CCAP subsidies.

Colorado Department of Early Childhood

The state agency that oversees the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

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What they’re saying

“I walked into their classrooms and these kids were alive and their faces sparkled with enthusiasm. They were clearly curious and asking questions. That's what we want to see everywhere.”

— John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator

“CCAP is absolutely critical for working families to be able to afford child care in general. CCAP subsidies help centers pay for quality teachers and be able to offer somewhat of a living wage.”

— Kelsey Petersen-Hardie, Director, STREAM Preschool

“We really need to come to a holistic, comprehensive solution. So, support from the federal government, support from counties, and local communities. The business community has to be at the table. This is an issue that is, again, foundational to our economy and our, you know, how we live our lives.”

— John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator

What’s next

By April 17, all parties to the litigation over the CCAP funding restrictions need to file a joint status report with the federal court.

The takeaway

Childcare affordability and access are critical issues in Colorado that require a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder solution. The potential loss of CCAP funding would significantly disrupt services for working families and put financial strain on childcare providers across the state.