Lee Patterson

Estrella Pyatt runs Tiny Colorado Treasures, staying open 11 hours a day plus some weekends.

Business is going really well.

But the other part of this project, the home ownership part, is more complicated.

My initial plan was, you know, live in the home for two years, which is great, and then buy it.

But that's just not realistic.

These two providers get subsidized rent with the option to buy, but the rent goes up every year.

And with the cost of living and running a business, Pyatt just can't save enough for a down payment.

She's still hoping to buy eventually.

Same for Melissa McChristian of Ouray Family Child Care.

As she helps the Hacktel family try to get out the door.

Bye!

McChristian shares some good news.

We have a full-time spot open, so I wanted to offer it to you first.

A full-time spot for baby Daisy, starting in the spring.

Amazing news, they say.

Bye, Melissa.

See you tomorrow.

So while this experiment hasn't completely solved the area's child care shortage, this family is driving home happy.

In Yurei, I'm Leigh Patterson for Marketplace.