Custer County Kids Council Fund

The Custer County Kids Council (CCKC) is Custer County’s Early Childhood Council and a community backbone organization working to strengthen the systems that support young children and families. Since 2017, CCKC has brought together families, schools, early childhood providers, healthcare, public health, human services, nonprofits, local government, businesses, and community leaders around a shared goal: ensuring Custer County is a place where children and families can thrive.

CCKC focuses on children prenatal through age 8 and their families, recognizing that strong early childhood systems benefit the entire community. Our work includes increasing access to quality childcare, supporting early childhood professionals, strengthening family resources, coordinating Universal Preschool Colorado locally, improving connections to health and developmental services, and bringing partners together to address community needs that no single organization can solve alone.

In a rural, frontier community like Custer County, families often face unique challenges accessing childcare, healthcare, transportation, and other essential services. CCKC works across organizations and sectors to reduce these barriers while helping develop sustainable, locally driven solutions.

Recent efforts include completing the Custer County Early Childhood Needs Assessment to guide future community investments; supporting local child care providers and helping Custer County become the first county in Colorado where 100% of licensed providers achieved a high-quality Colorado Shines rating; working with employers and community partners on child care and workforce solutions; and supporting efforts to expand after-school and Friday care through the development of a potential Boys & Girls Club presence in Custer County.

CCKC also connects families with health, developmental, early intervention, preschool, and community resources; hosts the annual Family Fun Day, bringing hundreds of children and families together with local organizations; and responds when emerging needs affect Custer County families, including supporting community recovery efforts following the Aspen Acres Fire.

Childcare and early childhood services do more than support children—they support parents, employers, schools, and the entire local economy. When families have access to reliable care and strong support systems, parents can work, employers can recruit and retain employees, children are better prepared to succeed, and families experience less stress navigating everyday life.

CCKC works to ensure early childhood is part of the larger conversation about workforce development, economic vitality, family well-being, education, and the future of Custer County.

Donations to the Custer County Kids Council Fund help CCKC respond to emerging needs, leverage grant funding, support local partnerships and programs, connect families with resources, and continue building the infrastructure our community needs.