Lee Patterson

with the necessary fences, ramps, and square footage.

They're part of a local project aiming to address the shortage of child care and housing all at the same time.

The region's early childhood council recruited and trained providers.

The builder reduced costs through grants, state dollars, and low-cost construction loans.

Melissa McChristian operates Ouray Family Child Care.

This is kind of our craft slash eating area.

Her tidy white house sits on the Encompadre River.

Mountain peaks loom in the distance.

McChristian points to her living room.

They do naps over here because it's cozy.

McChristian applied to live and work in the home.

She got a large grant to buy tiny tables, bookshelves, and cubbies.

But it's been a roller coaster.

I mean, it's ups and downs with the unknowns.

She's had to learn billing and scheduling.

Enrollment was slow at first.

But now?

I'm probably set with babies and then with a wait list for three years.

Efforts to create more in-home daycare spots are underway in other rural communities in states like Kansas and Minnesota.

Here in Colorado, Uray's second daycare is located on the same street as the first one.