EVICS Tuition Assistance Program

Supporting Families, Strengthening Community

EVICS Family Resource Center is dedicated to helping families access affordable, high-quality childcare in Estes Park. We understand the financial challenges many parents face, and our Tuition Assistance Program is designed to bridge the gap while families apply for long-term solutions such as the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

If a child does not qualify for CCAP or other assistance programs, EVICS may provide continued tuition support based on funding availability and family need. Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to stable, quality early childhood education, regardless of financial barriers.

Application Process

  1. Complete the Tuition Assistance Application
    Submit a fully completed application, including all required income verification documents.

  2. Verify Childcare Enrollment
    Obtain confirmed enrollment with a licensed or license-exempt childcare provider contracted with EVICS in Estes Park.

  3. Submit Required Documents
    Provide 30 days of income verification, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

  4. Review & Approval
    The Childcare Resource Specialist will review the application and determine eligibility.

  5. Agreement Signing & Funding Release
    Families must review and sign the tuition assistance agreement before funds are distributed.

  6. Families must complete a redetermination and provide updated income verification every three to six months to maintain eligibility.

How the Program Works

What is Tuition Assistance?

The EVICS Tuition Assistance Program provides financial support to help families cover the cost of childcare. Families are required to contribute a copay, determined by income, household size, and childcare schedule.

Eligibility Requirements

✔ Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
✔ At least one parent must work full-time (30+ hours per week) within the Estes Park R-3 School District
✔ Families must apply for CCAP within 30 days of receiving tuition assistance

Important: Due to a freeze in Larimer County CCAP, families must submit a CCAP Pre-Eligibility Questionnaire along with their EVICS Tuition Assistance application.

Families won’t be left without options

Families We've Helped

"EVICS made it possible for our child to remain in a safe, high-quality childcare program while we worked. Without their support, keeping our jobs would have been impossible."
— Grateful Parents, Estes Park

"We applied for CCAP but didn't qualify, and we were devastated. EVICS stepped in and helped us afford childcare so we could keep working toward our goals."
— Local Family, Tuition Assistance Recipient

"Knowing that I had tuition assistance gave me peace of mind. I was able to work while my son received the care he needed."
— Jaqueline, Single Parent

Finalized 2024 Tuition Assistance Impact Report

Program Overview

In 2024, EVICS Family Resource Center provided tuition assistance to ensure families in Estes Park had access to quality childcare despite financial barriers. Due to the CCAP freeze, families had limited long-term support options, making EVICS' Tuition Assistance Program essential for childcare stability.

Key Impact Numbers

✔ Total Children Served: 58
✔ Childcare Professionals Supported: 7
✔ Assistance Duration: 3 to 12 months

2024 Funding Summary

Total Tuition Assistance Expenditures: $173,223.30
6E Funding Received: $188,260
6E Funding Used for Tuition Assistance: $149,917.65
Additional Funds Used: $23,305.65
Funds Carried Over into 2025: $38,342.35

Why This Matters

  • With CCAP frozen indefinitely, local tuition assistance is the only safety net for families who do not qualify for other programs.

  • Childcare providers rely on tuition support to maintain quality care and operations.

  • Continued funding is essential to ensure working families and single parents can access childcare.

Since 2006, EVICS has distributed over $835,400 in tuition assistance, ensuring that children in Estes Park have access to quality childcare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions about our Tuition Assistance Program:

  • The majority of our funding comes from the local lodging tax, also known as 6E funding, which is a grant from the Town of Estes Park specifically restricted for the Tuition Assistance Program. When available, we also receive support from private grants and donations from generous community members who believe in investing in early childhood education. As a nonprofit, we continuously seek additional funding sources to sustain and expand our support for families and children in need.

  • Tuition assistance helps cover a portion of childcare costs at licensed or license-exempt providers in Estes Park. Families must still contribute a copay based on their income and number of days in care.

  • Initially, assistance is provided for three months. Families are re-evaluated every 3-6 months to determine continued eligibility.

  • Families must complete a CCAP application within 30 days of receiving tuition assistance. Failure to do so may result in the termination of support.

  • Part-Time Work and Full-Time Assistance
    Families working part-time do not qualify for full-time tuition assistance. Childcare coverage will only be provided for the days that align with the guardian’s work schedule.

    Part-Time Care Assistance
    Limited assistance is available for part-time care and will be determined based on the hours documented in the guardian's submitted pay stubs.

  • Yes, but self-employed individuals must provide income verification such as profit/loss statements or statements of activities from an official system (e.g., QuickBooks).

  • If copayments are not made, EVICS will reach out twice to resolve the issue. If there is still no resolution, tuition assistance will be terminated after a third notice from the Program Director.

  • New families must provide a letter from their employer confirming their start date, pay rate, and weekly hours. If additional funding is available, families may receive temporary assistance through other programs such as Family Development or Emergency Support.

  • The minimum required parent copay is as follows:

    • 5 full days of care: $200 minimum

    • 4 full days of care: $175 minimum

    • 3 full days of care: $125 minimum

    • 1-2 full days of care: $100 minimum

  • Families can apply by:

    • Completing the application online

    • Calling us at (970) 586-3055

    • Emailing us at gloria@evics.org

    Need assistance? Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process!