GILPIN COUNTY - Since Gilpin’s only early childcare facility, Eagles’ Nest, closed in late 2023, parents and guardians looking for childcare in Gilpin have been stretched thin.

Resource providers, families, County staff, and advocates gathered at the Gilpin County Public Library on May 17, 2025, to discuss remedies for the situation. 

The Early Childhood Resource Fair brought together families searching for care, organizations working to expand local services, entrepreneurs interested in offering childcare, and experts offering guidance on childcare licensing and support programs.

The fair was hosted by Triad Bright Futures, the Triad Early Childhood Council, and the Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center. Established in 2008, the Triad Council involves three adjacent counties: Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek.

Attendees included community members like former senator Jeanne Nicholson, an early childhood advocate; Lyndsey Denton, President of the Gilpin Kids Board; and Commissioner Susan Berumen, who also serves on the board of Triad Bright Futures.

A central focus was the relaunch of a long-awaited childcare center—the former Eagle’s Nest building located near the Gilpin County School, which has been closed since Eagles Nest departed in November 2023. Now named “Gilpin Mountain Kids,” the center seeks to offer childcare for all ages, summer camps, and after-school care. 

Gilpin Mountain Kids, recently registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, signed its lease last November and aims to open in September of this year. 

Amy Carr, the incoming executive director, will officially start in June. Denton noted that they’ve already received significant support, including $200,000 from Gilpin County, and are working through the licensing process.

When asked about the cost per child, Denton said, “It will be competitive but affordable. That is our goal.”

Families at the event expressed a mix of gratitude and urgency. Many talked about driving long distances for daycare, some as far as Lakewood or Golden, while others have been working full time at home while caring for infants because there is no available local care. Some have been forced to relocate from Gilpin County altogether. 

As of the event, there are 35 names on the Gilpin Mountain Kids waitlist, with several expectant parents hoping to enroll in the fall. The number of kids the school can serve will depend on the number of employees. The former Eagles’ Nest had about 60 children. 

Presenters provided a range of information on state-supported care options, including the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) program, and how residents can become providers. Tax incentives, grants, and training are available to those interested. 

Carmen Martinez, the Gilpin County licensing specialist with Child Care Innovations, outlined the process for becoming an FFN caregiver. Child Care Innovations, part of Red Rocks Community College, operates the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, which includes Gilpin County in its service area.

During the slideshow, participants learned that "an FFN provider is a trusted caregiver within their community, offering childcare services in informal settings.”

Martinez noted that Gilpin currently has no pending applications for FFN providers, a trend she would like to see change. For those seeking to learn more about becoming an FFN, she can be reached at carmen.martinezrrcc.edu.

Participants also discussed broader strategies to expand childcare access, including potential partnerships with local casinos and employers. Some attendees suggested networking with the parents on the waitlist. 

Organizers are planning a follow-up meeting next month to discuss what comes next.

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center can find information on their website at https://gilpinmtnkids.org/.

Resources and opportunities can be found through Triad Bright Futures at https://triadbrightfutures.org/. 

The event closed with a roundtable discussion, giving parents, advocates, and providers a chance to share their personal experiences and ideas. Many expressed a desire to stay connected and work together to improve childcare options in the county.

While there’s still more work to be done, the conversation helped lay the groundwork for regaining dependable childcare in Gilpin County.