Colorado Parks & Wildlife Research Library

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services legislation requires states to conduct a child care market rate survey every three years in order to receive federal funding from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Market rate surveys help states establish child care subsidy rates that are high enough to allow low-income working families to enter the child care market and afford equal access to a range of care.

The early years of life are very important for all areas of children's learning and development. That's because the human brain develops faster during the first five years than at any other time in a person's life! High-quality child care and preschool programs support children during a sensitive and important time of life. Research shows that quality child care and preschool programs help children prepare for kindergarten and success in school.