Colorado Stabilization Funds Address Air Quality in Child Care Facilities

Recognizing the growing need for filtered indoor air, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased frequency of wildfire smoke in Colorado because of climate change, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood took action. During a first round of funding made possible through stabilization dollars in the American Rescue Plan Act, Improving Indoor Air Quality grants were distributed to 268 child care providers across 41 Colorado counties, awarding between $2,000 and $25,000 per grant. Funding allowed programs to choose from a variety of air filtering solutions including new portable HEPA Air Cleaner units, retrofitting of existing units, or new HVAC System installation. These grants positively impacted the health of children, and supported the stabilization of the child care sector in the state, both by reducing utility costs and making families comfortable in returning their children to care by ensuring evidence-based COVID safety protocols. The departments are once again opening the opportunity across the state with a planned $3 million investment in 2023.