Refunds for Childcare and Waitlist Fees Soon Available for Colorado Families

Many families pay upfront fees, like a deposit, waitlist or application fees, to childcare and preschool providers but may never enroll their children there (or get off the waitlist). A new Colorado law, SB25-004, that went into effect on January 1, 2026 now makes it possible for those families to recoup some of their costs after six months. The law only pertains to fees that are paid after January 1 of this year. If a family is accepted into a program but declines to enroll their child, they are not eligible for a refund. 

The cost of full-day childcare in Denver is about $1,600/month. Registration fees can range from $50-$200, and some childcare providers require a deposit to be on their waitlist, which can be anywhere from $40 or $50 to as much as 50% of one month’s tuition (or upwards of $800).

Learn more in Chalkbeat’s article, “Colorado parents can soon recover child care waitlist and application fees.”