The start of a new school year brings a particular kind of financial pressure — supplies, fees, immunization records, childcare gaps, and the quiet logistics that stack up before September is even over. Colorado Springs has a range of programs designed to close those gaps, and several of them are free or low-cost and available right now.

Here's a practical rundown of what's available, who it's for, and how to access it.

Immunization Records — El Paso County Public Health

Colorado requires up-to-date immunizations for school enrollment, and families sometimes need documentation copies when records are incomplete or from an out-of-state provider. El Paso County Public Health maintains immunization records and can assist families in obtaining or updating documentation.

If your child's immunization records are incomplete, missing, or need to be verified for school enrollment, start at elpasocountyhealth.org. The department offers immunization clinics and can help you locate records that may have been filed through Colorado's immunization registry, CIIS. Don't wait on this — school enrollment requirements have deadlines, and getting records sorted takes longer than most families expect.

Childcare Assistance — CCAP

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidized childcare for income-eligible families with children under 13. For families managing childcare costs alongside school-year scheduling changes — especially those in after-school care or split schedules — CCAP can significantly reduce monthly costs.

Eligibility is based on income and family size. The application and eligibility process is handled locally through El Paso County. To find out whether your family qualifies and to begin an application, call 719-444-5000. This number reaches El Paso County's human services office, which manages CCAP applications for COS families. Having your income documentation and childcare provider information ready will speed up the process.

Colorado FAMLI — Paid Family and Medical Leave

Colorado's Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (FAMLI) went into effect in 2024 and remains underutilized by families who don't know they're covered. FAMLI provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave — 90% of wages up to a cap — for qualifying events including a child's serious health condition, childbirth, or caring for a family member.

For Colorado Springs families with a school-age child dealing with a medical situation, or for parents who need to take leave for a family health event and weren't aware they had this coverage, it's worth checking. Most Colorado workers are automatically enrolled through payroll. Self-employed and small business workers have opt-in options. Full program details, eligibility requirements, and the application portal are at colorado.gov/famli.

Pikes Peak Library District — Free Homework Help and Programs

The Pikes Peak Library District is one of the most consistently valuable free resources for COS families, and it's often underestimated. Beyond books and Wi-Fi, PPLD offers structured programming for students at multiple branches throughout the city.

Relevant offerings for the school year include:

• Homework help programs at branch locations, available for elementary and middle school students
• Teen programming including STEM workshops, maker activities, and college and career resources
• Digital access — library cards include free access to Libby, Kanopy, and multiple learning databases that students can use for school research
• Story and enrichment programs for younger children, like Story and Crafts with Cynde currently running through August 31

All PPLD programs are free and open to cardholders. Library cards are free to El Paso County residents. A full program calendar and branch hours are available at ppld.org. Branch locations include Penrose, East, Rockrimmon, Fountain, and Monument, among others — there's likely one within a reasonable distance from wherever your family is in the district.

One More: Free and Reduced Lunch Applications

If your family's financial situation has changed since last year, or if you're new to the district, now is the time to apply for free or reduced-price school meals. Each district (D11, D20, D49) handles applications separately. Applications must be submitted annually — a prior year's approval does not carry over. Check your district's website for the current year's application window and income thresholds. This is a federal program, and eligibility is straightforward to determine from the income guidelines.

What's Next

These programs exist because the school year asks more of families than just showing up. If even one of these resources takes something off your plate this fall, it's worth the time to apply or make a call.

For a broader look at D11, D20, and D49 programs and news throughout the school year, check back with COS Parenting. The Pikes Peak Library District's full program calendar is at ppld.org. El Paso County human services, including CCAP, is at elpasocountyhealth.org and reachable at 719-444-5000. Colorado FAMLI information is at colorado.gov/famli.