Grand Kids Learning Center has several reasons to celebrate. All three of its locations in Grand County have received the highest possible Colorado Shines rating, Level 5, recognizing excellence in early childhood education.

“This is an incredible achievement for our teachers and directors,” said executive director Ashley Bobo. “Each and every one of them worked hard for this, and I couldn’t be prouder of what our buildings have accomplished.”

Colorado Shines is a statewide quality rating and improvement system administered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. The program evaluates licensed childcare providers on five key areas: workforce qualifications, family partnerships, leadership and management, learning environments and child health. Ratings range from Level 1 (basic licensing) to Level 5 (highest quality).

A Level 5 rating means Grand Kids Learning Center has not only met licensing standards, but has gone above and beyond to provide the highest-quality early education in the state.

“Our improvements have come from being able to retain our teacher longterm,” says Bobo. “It wasn’t their first time going through it. We also have more seasoned sight directors at each location. Grand Beginnings was a huge support, offering coaching and manpower support to getting things done without being totally overworked and exhausted.”

These supporters included an educational coach, a mental health consultant and a health coordinator.

Grand Kids Learning Center has one location in Granby and two in Fraser, where around 70 children aged six and under receive early childhood education, Bobo said.

Childcare resources spread thin in Grand County

Behind the success lies a sobering reality. Like many local schools for young children, Grand Kids Learning Center is struggling to sustain operations.

According to the center, under 20% of its teachers currently earn a living wage. To raise wages to Grand County’s living wage of $24.75 per hour, the center would need to increase payroll by 34%. That would force a 60% tuition hike, raising the daily rate to $130 per child, rather than the current $70-100.

“That’s simply not feasible for most families,” said  Bobo. “It highlights what we’re all seeing nationally: parents are paying more than they can afford, but childcare centers can barely make ends meet. It’s a broken model.”

“Decades of research show that the first five years of life are critical for human brain development. High-quality early childcare shapes not only individual futures, but also the future of communities and economies.

“Without accessible childcare, employers in our region will continue to face staffing challenges as parents struggle to find reliable care.  If Grand County is serious about being a family-friendly place, then the actions, funding decisions, and planning priorities of our towns must reflect that.”

The nonprofit center is turning to the community for help. Sponsorships and donations both support operations and expansion and qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which allows donors to claim 50% of their gift as a credit on state taxes.

For more details, visit the center’s website.

The center has two fundraising events planned for this weekend:

• Fall Festival – Rendezvous Event Center, September 13, 2025
• Bert & Ernie Golf Tournament – Pole Creek Golf Course, September 14, 2025