A Strong Start: What Larimer County’s Childcare Investment Means for Families

About This Episode Affordable, high-quality child care is essential for young children, working families, employers, and a strong regional economy, but for many Larimer County families, it has become increasingly difficult to find and afford. In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd sits down with Heather O’Hayre, director of Human Services for Larimer County, and Liz Means, Chief Strategy Officer for Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, to explore the state of early childhood care and education in Larimer County and the new community investment taking shape. In November 2025, voters approved a 0.25% countywide sales and use tax dedicated to addressing the shortage and high cost of childcare and preschool. The funding is intended to make care more affordable for eligible families, strengthen and expand the early childhood workforce, increase provider capacity through targeted facility improvements, and support program administration and evaluation. Heather and Liz discuss what led to the measure, how Larimer County and Northern Colorado Kids Thrive are working together, and what families and providers can expect as programs are developed and implemented. They also explore a larger truth: childcare is not only a family issue, it is vital infrastructure for a thriving community. Listeners Will Learn More About - The current childcare landscape in Larimer County - What voters approved through Ballot Issue 1B - How funding is expected to support families, educators, and providers - The partnership between Larimer County and Northern Colorado Kids Thrive - How the initiative will be implemented and evaluated - Why early childhood investment matters to the entire region Our Guests Heather O’Hayre is the director of Human Services for Larimer County. With more than 20 years of experience in human and social services, her work has included child welfare, juvenile justice, public policy, and improving outcomes for vulnerable children, families, and adults. In 2025, she was named Director of the Year by the Colorado Human Services Directors Association. Liz Means is the Chief Strategy Officer of Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, formerly the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County. The nonprofit connects families with early childhood resources and supports local child care and preschool providers through training, coaching, professional development, and funding opportunities. Resources - Larimer County Human Services: https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices - Northern Colorado Kids Thrive: https://www.nocokidsthrive.org/ - Ballot Measure 1B next steps: https://www.nocokidsthrive.org/yeson1b - Child care resources for families: https://www.nocokidsthrive.org/for-families - Larimer Child Care Connect: https://www.nocokidsthrive.org/lc3-providers NoCo Voices: Conversations with neighbors strengthening Northern Colorado is a podcast from the NoCo Foundation featuring the people, partnerships, and ideas helping our region thrive. https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast