Child Care Challenges for Seasonal Workers in Aspen: A Personal Perspective
In recent discussions surrounding child care accessibility in Aspen, Kelly McNicholas Kury’s column, “Take action toward child care solutions,” published in the Aspen Daily News on December 12, has resonated with many families navigating similar challenges. This commentary sheds light on the difficulties faced by seasonal workers, particularly ski instructors, in securing reliable and affordable child care.
One couple, both of whom work as ski instructors and are parents to a two-year-old son, shared their personal experiences, highlighting the hurdles associated with balancing work commitments and parenting in a seasonal environment. They express gratitude for the support they have received from community members, yet they face significant challenges due to the absence of extended family in the area.
Seasonal employment in the ski industry brings unique financial instability, characterized by periods of heightened activity during which instructors work up to seven days a week, followed by slower seasons when income dwindles. This cyclical nature of employment complicates the ability to afford child care consistently. The couple currently relies on a patchwork of care providers, utilizing services from Stotts Mill, the Treehouse, and assistance from neighbors to cover their child care needs throughout the busy winter months. Unfortunately, this arrangement proves both challenging to coordinate and financially burdensome.
Adding to their predicament, the couple resides in unincorporated Pitkin County, which has implications for their access to child care subsidies. Despite their financial eligibility for programs such as Kids First, they do not qualify due to their residence status. They also find themselves ineligible for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) due to insufficiently stable incomes, which prevents them from meeting the program’s criteria.
The reduced ski instructor rate at the Treehouse offers some relief, but the couple is still left covering a substantial portion of child care costs out of pocket. This reality underscores the pressing need for comprehensive child care solutions that consider the unique circumstances of seasonal workers. While they express deep appreciation for the exceptional child care services available—supporting their son’s development and well-being—the financial strain of continuous care during peak times remains a significant challenge.
As the community engages in discussions regarding child care provisions, the experiences of families like this one serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of accessible, flexible, and affordable child care solutions, especially for those contributing to Aspen’s vibrant seasonal economy. Establishing policies that address these concerns could substantially improve the quality of life for many families, fostering a more supportive environment for working parents.
