GILPIN COUNTY – A new daycare center, Gilpin Mountain Kids, will soon open its doors at 10655 Highway 119, the former location of Eagles' Nest Early Learning Center. 

The closure of Eagles' Nest in 2023 created a childcare shortage that has placed strain on families in Gilpin County, where options for early education and care remain practically nonexistent.

Gilpin Mountain Kids, a non-profit organization, will offer programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

The center’s name, “Mountain Kids,” is a playful nod to mountain goats, according to Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth. 

Currently, there are 27 children on the waitlist. 

The center has been incorporated as a non-profit in Colorado and is awaiting approval of its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. 

In the interim, the organization is working with the TRIAD Early Learning Council to support its development.

County oversight and community involvement

Efforts to establish a sustainable childcare solution began in late 2023, when the Childcare Steering Committee recommended a non-profit model to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). 

The committee stressed the importance of including a County-appointed representative on the new organization's Board of Directors to ensure oversight. The BoCC appointed Human Services Director Janey Barker to the board in March 2024.

In addition to Barker, the Board of Directors includes Chuck Spencer, Tim Lane, Starla Becher, and Lyndsey Denton. The board's formation was an essential step toward launching the new daycare, along with finalizing bylaws and articles of incorporation.

Avoiding past mistakes

The closure of Eagles' Nest was largely due to financial difficulties and management challenges. 

In September 2023, the BoCC approved $45,000 in emergency funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

However, the funding came with conditions, including reporting to the Sheriff's Office, increasing enrollment, reducing costs, and restructuring operations. Despite these efforts, Eagles' Nest could not overcome its financial issues and ceased operations shortly afterward.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the BoCC disbursed $100,000 to Gilpin Mountain Kids in early 2025. 

This funding will help cover regulatory requirements, startup costs, and hiring an Executive Director, who will oversee daily operations, curriculum development, and staffing.

Next steps

With the foundation for the new daycare now in place, Gilpin Mountain Kids is moving forward cautiously. The organization has not yet confirmed its opening date, as it continues to await licensing and the approval of its non-profit status. 

Families interested in securing a spot for their children can join the waitlist by emailing care@gilpinmtnkids.org. For general information, visit https://gilpinmtnkids.org/.

The opening of Gilpin Mountain Kids is a huge relief for parents who have been struggling to find childcare in the area. Families can finally look forward to having a dependable place close to home where their kids can learn and grow while parents work.