Recently, thanks to Ibotta, we were invited to take the opening free throw shot at the Denver Nuggets game. One of our parents, Patrick, made the attempt, and, while it was an exciting highlight for our year, the notion of ensuring our families have a real “shot” at a better life immediately came to my mind. I always say Clayton is in the hopes and dreams business. We constantly challenge ourselves to give kids the best shot at achieving their hopes and dreams by providing an exceptional start, while empowering families for lifelong success.
Getting this fair shot isn’t about Clayton alone. Our ability to deliver an exceptional start while empowering families is directly integrated with support from the broader community. This starts with essential public-sector support, including the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). This critical program helps ensure families can secure high-quality early childhood education for their children at Clayton while also enabling parents to be productive members of our workforce.
As you may be aware, the federal government has recently frozen the funding behind this critical program, and while a temporary court injunction is in place, we know that without these funds, the consequences would likely be catastrophic for families in Colorado as well as for the child care providers who depend on this funding to run their operations.
With a pro-business view, I have always believed government investment should focus firmly on programs that provide essential opportunities for building self-reliance that allow individuals and families to improve their economic position. The CCCAP program is one of those wise investments, as studies show that CCCAP directly supports billions in GDP and disposable income, and thousands of jobs in Colorado, highlighting the program's value.
Personally, I cannot overstate the impact this freeze could have on children, families, and the hardworking frontline providers across our state. Already several providers in Colorado have decided that closure is their only option, given the ongoing financial pressures facing the industry. Further disruption to the childcare industry means disruption to our economy, as fewer people can actively engage in the workforce. And for families, the consequences can be severe.
I truly believe in the American dream and that people – if given the opportunity – can improve their life trajectories and thrive. And the families at Clayton and across the country today need help to realize their potential. At Clayton, we can attest to how hard our families work and how determined they are to give their children a better life than they have. In the end, giving our children, our families, and our community a better shot to achieve hopes and dreams is possible, and only with support from the entire community will it be realized. Thank you for continuing to support Clayton, and we wish you all the best in 2026.
Ever Forward,
William Browning
President and CEO
