Many have heard the expression, “It takes a village.” At the end of November 2023, this statement brought new meaning to the families who utilized Eagle’s Nest Early Learning Center in Gilpin County to care for their little ones.

When the center announced its closure due to lack of funding, high healthcare costs for teachers, lack of staff, and building upgrades, it left several mountain families heartbroken and with added stress.

Several interested persons have inquired about taking over the early childcare center and reopening its doors. New owners would not acquire previous debt Eagle’s Nest amassed but will be responsible for starting anew.

If new operators want to run as a non-profit, they would have to register as a 501(c)(3). They would also have to create a board, purchase equipment, and carry insurance.

The county will continue to own the land and building at 10655 Highway 119.

With a great need for childcare across the Peak to Peak region, there is potential for a new business to thrive. And with so many local angels willing to help, it will make for an easier journey.

In the meantime, Gilpin County School has preschool openings for children starting at three years old. The Colorado Triad Early Childhood Council offers licensing and training for parents interested in opening an in-home early child care.

As Gilpin County Commissioners and a new steering committee explore options for childcare in Gilpin County, it may likely take months before the county opens another early childcare center. We must remember it will take patience, perseverance, and hope.

What matters more than ever are the families whose struggles will intensify when one parent has to quit working to stay home, and the bills pile up because one income isn’t enough.

Yes, it takes a village to raise a child. In the mountains, it takes an entire region. If you have young children or not, we all need to work on a solution. Our community’s parents and children need us to solve this situation. We need to put our heads together for the good of the greater community and help families with young children. That in turn will help the area as a whole for years to come.

To join the Gilpin County Steering Committee, please visit https:// gilpincounty.colorado.gov/newsarticle/childcare-steering-committeevolunteers needed. To learn more about in-home child care licensing and training, visit https://triadecc.org/job-announcements/child-careinnovations licensing-specialistpositionopen/.

To learn about the Gilpin Montessori Program at Gilpin County Schools, visit https://gilpin.k12.co.us/en-US/montessori-program-b1ea8b18. To stay up-to-date on the childcare crisis in Gilpin County and other important news across the Peak to Peak, please subscribe to The Mountain-Ear and receive a discount by December 31 by visiting https:// www.themtnear.com/subscribe/.