Custer County Early Childhood Survey

We want to hear from everyone in our community — whether you have young children at home or not. Your perspective matters for the future in Custer County. This survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. Your answers are anonymous. Please answer as honestly as you can.

SECTION 1: About You

4.How many children currently live in your household, by age group?

Ages 0–5:

Ages 6–12:

Ages 13–18:

No children at home:

6.How familiar are you with early childhood care and education issues in Custer County?(Required.)

Very familiar — I deal with these issues directly

Somewhat familiar — I know the basics

Not familiar at all

7.Do you think early childhood care and education matters for this community?

It ensures children are ready to start school

It allows parents to work, supporting the local workforce and economy

It provides a safe, nurturing environment for young children

It supports child development and reduces long-term disparities

It helps recruit and retain young working families in Custer County

I don't think it is a significant community concern

Other

8.How would you rate the AFFORDABILITY of childcare in Custer County?

Very affordable — cost is not a barrier

Somewhat affordable — it's a strain but manageable

Not affordable — cost is a significant barrier for our family

I'm not sure

Not applicable

9.What is an affordable rate for full-time, high quality childcare for one child in Custer County?

Comments

11.Has the availability (or lack) of childcare in Custer County affected you or others you know?

I (or someone I know has) had to reduce work hours due to lack of childcare

I (or someone I know has) declined a job or not pursued one due to lack of childcare

A business I depend on has had closures or reduced hours due to staff childcare issues

I (or someone I know has) considered leaving the county due to lack of childcare

I have not personally been impacted

Other

SECTION 2: Local Childcare & Early Learning

Custer County currently has two licensed early childhood providers: one center-based and one home-based.

12.Are you familiar with the childcare options available in Custer County?

Yes — I am familiar with both licensed providers

Yes — I am familiar with one of the providers

No — I was not aware of the options available

13.How important is access to quality early childhood care and education is for Custer County?

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important

Not very important

Not important at all

14.Are you aware of the Custer County Kids Council (CCKC)?

CCKC is a collaborative of 20+ local organizations working to support children and families from prenatal through age 8 in Custer County.

Yes — I am familiar with CCKC and its work

I've heard of it but don't know much about it

No — I wasn't aware of CCKC

SECTION 3: Community Connection & Mutual Support

17.In the past year, have you helped a neighbor or friend with any of the following?

Watching or caring for their young child

Running an errand, giving a ride, or helping with a chore

Sharing advice about parenting or child development

Connecting them to a service or resource

Lending something (food, money, supplies, tools)

None of the above

18.Does a religious or faith community play a role in supporting your family with young children?

Yes — my faith community is a significant source of support

Yes — somewhat

No

Not applicable

19.How connected do you feel to the needs of local families with young children?

Very connected — the well-being of young families matters to me personally

Somewhat connected — I care but am not closely engaged

Not very connected — it doesn't come up much in my daily life

Not connected at all

SECTION 4: Childcare Availability, Quality & Affordability

20.What is your childcare or an early learning preference?
Please share your preference even if you currently do not need childcare(Required.)

Local center-based program

Local home-based program

Program outside Custer County

I need childcare and am not currently using it

My child is cared for at home by a family member

We homeschool our children

I'm unsure what program or option would be best

Comments

21.What is an ideal childcare arrangement?

Full-time (30+ hrs/week) in a center-based setting

Part-time in a center-based setting

Full-time in a home-based setting

Part-time in a home-based setting

Flexible / drop-in care as needed

A mix of center-based and home-based care

No preference / not applicable

22.If the Infant and Toddler Classrooms at Custer County Early Childcare Education Center were open year round and on Fridays, would you consider enrolling your child?

Yes

No

Maybe

Please share any other barriers or issues you would like to point out.

24.What would make you more likely to use or recommend local childcare?

SECTION 5: Early Childhood Health, Development & Support Services

Custer County has one local health clinic (Custer County Health Center) operating on weekdays. The nearest hospital is over 60 miles away. These questions help us understand gaps in access.

25.Where does your youngest child receive primary medical care (well-child visits, immunizations)?

Not applicable — no young children in household

Custer County Health Center — locally

Clinic in Canon City / Fremont County (~1 hour)

Clinic or provider in Pueblo (~1.5 hours)

Clinic or provider in Colorado Springs (~2 hours)

We don't currently have a regular source of primary care for our child

Comments

26.How far did you travel for prenatal care during your most recent pregnancy?

Comments

27.Has your child ever received a developmental screening (e.g., a check for speech, motor, or cognitive delays)?

Not applicable / no young children

Yes — and we received helpful follow-up

Yes — but follow-up services were hard to access

No — we were not offered screening

No — we didn't feel it was needed

I'm not sure

Comments

28.Are you aware of the Nurse-Family Partnership home visiting program available in Custer County?

This free program supports first-time mothers through regular nurse home visits during pregnancy and the first two years of a child's life.

Yes — I have used or am using this program

Yes — I'm aware of it but haven't used it

No — I wasn't aware this existed locally

SECTION 6: Access to Services & Travel Burden

30.How would you describe your household's internet access?

Reliable high-speed internet at home

Inconsistent or slow internet at home

Internet access only when in town (library, coffee shop, etc.)

Cellular data only — no home broadband

No reliable internet access

31.Would telehealth or virtual services for young children and families be useful for your household?

Yes — for pediatric care / well-child consultations

Yes — for mental health or behavioral support

Yes — for speech or developmental therapy

Yes — for parenting education or coaching

No — I prefer in-person services

We don't have reliable internet to use telehealth effectively

Not applicable

SECTION 7: Community Priorities & Investment

Your input here helps local leaders prioritize where to focus attention and resources.

33.Do you own a business/manage employees? If yes, have you had difficulty finding or retaining employees because of childcare availability in Custer County?

Yes — this has directly impacted my ability to hire or retain staff

Probably — I suspect it's a factor but can't say for certain

Not that I'm aware of

No

I am not an employer or business owner

Comments

34.Is there anything else you'd like to share about early childhood needs, strengths, or opportunities in Custer County?

Thank you for completing this survey!

Your input will directly shape how Custer County supports its youngest residents and their families.
If you'd like to receive updates or be part of future community conversations about early childhood, please provide your name and email below.

35.Name (optional):

36.Email (optional):