Routt Thrive by Five

09/06/2026

The child care crisis touches all of us — parents, employers, and neighbors alike.

North Routt, join us for a community conversation about the child care crisis in Routt County. Come learn about the issue, ask your questions, and help build a solution that keeps our community strong.

Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or a neighbor who cares about the future of the valley, your voice belongs in this conversation. No RSVP needed, and child care will be available on site — so bring the whole family and be part of shaping what comes next.

To learn more about Routt Thrive by Five, visit www.RouttThriveby5.org.

08/31/2026

The future of childcare in Routt County starts with a conversation — and you're invited.

Join us for Powered by Care: The Routt County Childcare & Workforce Summit on Monday, September 21, 10am–1pm at the Colorado Mountain College Auditorium in Steamboat Springs.

Childcare is the backbone of our workforce, our local businesses, and thriving communities. Come together with elected officials, business leaders, parents, and neighbors to explore why it matters and how we build lasting solutions — featuring a keynote by nationally recognized author Dan Wuori and a panel on local challenges and opportunities.

Be part of the conversation. RSVP today — https://ow.ly/e7WK50ZHhQW

08/11/2026

The Early Childhood Sustainable Funding solution for Routt County will help solve three major issues:

CAPACITY — more slots for children, especially infants
ACCESS — affordable options and nontraditional times for families
PEOPLE — better wages and training for teachers

Together, these three investments can turn the tide. For more information and to join the effort, go to www.RouttThriveby5.org.

08/08/2026

$24,000. That's how much infant care can cost per year in Routt County — often more than rent. No wonder families are making impossible choices — leaving the workforce or moving away altogether. For more information and to join the effort, go to www.RouttThriveby5.org.

08/03/2026

Please take a couple of minutes to watch this powerful video of Angelica Salinas talking about the child care crisis right here in Routt County. 💙

In just two minutes, she captures what so many families are facing — and why this issue matters for the future of the community we all love. Child care shortages don't just affect parents and kids; they ripple out to our workforce, our businesses, and our neighbors.

Take a listen, and then share it with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can help every child in Routt County thrive by five. 👇

07/30/2026

Child care has become part of our economic infrastructure. Like roads, water systems, and affordable housing, child care helps keep our local economy moving. When families can't find care, parents can't work. When parents can't work, businesses can't hire. When businesses can't hire, Routt County loses. For more information and to join the effort, go to www.RouttThriveby5.org.

07/27/2026

Routt Thrive by Five is proud to be supported by some of Routt County's most respected organizations. Together, we're working toward a community solution that works for every family. Thank you to our founding coalition partners! For more information and to join the effort, go to www.RouttThriveby5.org.

07/24/2026

Great article in the Pilot & Today on Tuesday's public comment at Steamboat Springs City Council. Parents and educators laid out the crisis plainly: too few licensed child care spots, costs that push families to $3,500+ a month, and wages that fall short of what teachers need to stay in the field. This isn't just a challenge for children and families — it's dragging on our local economy.

Our Strategic Investment Plan outlines real solutions on how to close the $8.5 million annual gap in early childhood funding. As one commenter put it, this "requires community leadership." Let's keep this at the forefront of community conversations.

Steamboat Springs parents and educators urged local officials this week to prioritize early childhood care, describing a system strained by high costs, low wages and limited availability — and calling for creative, community-wide solutions. At...

07/20/2026

If you've ever struggled to find child care in Routt County, you're not alone. Share your story in the comments — because your experience is exactly why this work matters. For more information, go to www.RouttThriveby5.org.

07/03/2026

For every infant enrolled in licensed child care in Routt County, SIX children are on a waitlist. Six. This isn't a minor inconvenience — it's a crisis affecting families, businesses, and our entire community. Learn more at www.RouttThriveby5.org.