Child and Elder Care 

Our Goal: Improve the health of children and elder adults by empowering families 

Taking care of others is a very rewarding challenge. Whether you are taking care of a child or an older adult, you are not alone. There are local resources available to help you along your journey.

Child Care

We understand that child care is a big decision. Finding the right child care provider for your child can be a daunting, intimidating task, but it will also allow your child to flourish in a social setting, be supervised by a trained provider, and free up time for you.

Online Child Care Search: 

 ColoShines        or    211 Logo JPEG

Free Child Care Guide For Parents   child care guide for parents

This easy to use, four step guide will help families learn about why quality child care matters, what it looks like and how to find it. Download your free copy of Working Your Way Through the Child Care Maze.

Child Care Licensing - Mesa County Health Department
Mesa County Health Department Child Care Licensing Specialists conduct childcare licensing inspections. They collaborate with 211 to assist providers with continuing education hours in one or more of the following core knowledge areas:

  • Child growth and development 
  • Healthy and safe environments
  • Developmentally appropriate practices
  • Guidance
  • Family relationships
  • Cultural and individual diversity
  • Professionalism
  • Social emotional development

Quarterly classes are also being offered by licensing approved vendors in Medication Administration/Universal Precautions. For more information about becoming a licensed child care provider in Mesa County please call 248-6900 option # 4 or click here.

Child Care Assistance Program
 This program offers low-income families funds for childcare. If a parent is working, searching for employment or in school, you may be eligible. And parents, you get to choose your child care provider! For more information and how to enroll, click here or stop by the Mesa County Department of Human Services (510 29 1/2 Rd.).

Extended Hours
 Did you know that most elementary schools in Mesa County have trained staff to help your child with schoolwork, facilitate educational activities and support social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth before and after school? Yes! Extended Hours is an affordable child care program that may help your child succeed. Visit http://www.extendedhoursprogram.com/ , call (970) 241-3603, or e-mail .

Got Kids Roadmap 
Not sure what child care centers are available for your child(ren) here in Mesa County? Visit this interactive map to find out! To view the Got Kids Roadmap by the Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families, visit http://www.gotkidsroadmap.com/ . 

Partnership for Children and Families-Expanding Quality Infant Toddler Class

The Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT) 48-hour course of training is designed for any individual who works with infants and toddlers and is interested in improving his/her knowledge and skills. It is particularly appropriate for child care providers who are looking for an in-depth, hands-on course focused on work with infants and toddlers in group care and who may not have taken many college courses. Click here for more information. 

Western Colorado Community College (WCCC)
WCCC offers child care classes and certification for people who would like a career in early childhood education centers. For more information and admission guidelines click here. 

Elder Care

We understand that taking care of others can be emotionally and physically exhausting, yet very rewarding. Check out these resources below to help you help others.

Columbine Caregivers
Check out Columbine Caregivers for in-home care, geriatric advocacy, elderly transportation and much more. This local business has been operating in Grand Junction since 1989 by a husband and wife team! Click here for more information. 

Comfort Keepers
This organization specializes in-home care for elders and seniors in Grand Junction and surrounding areas. Caregiving is their focus, so that your loved one can remain in their own home. For more information, click here. 

Elder Quest
This organization provides elder care management, medical power of attorney, guardianship, assessments, elder care advocacy, presentations, elder care consulting, caregiver support, elder placement assistance, long term care planning, and service and resource coordination. They also offer free elder care workshops. Click here to get started. 

Hilltop Senior Life Options
Hilltop Community Resources has a plethora of programs that may fit the need of your loved one. Click here for more information. 

Home Care of the Grand Valley
Home Care of the Grand Valley offers care where you need it most...at home. This agency's team of nurses and therapists serve those who are ill, temporarily disabled and those who require long-term care. Click here for more information or call (970) 263-0202.

HopeWest
This agency offers hospice, palliative care and support. Support groups are available for children, teens and adults. For more information about these groups and other programs HopeWest offers, click here.

Senior Resource Guide
For retirement homes, referral services, home care and more; check out this guide by clicking here. 

St. Mary's Senior Services
St. Mary's offers services such as Gray Gourmet, which provides nutritious meals to seniors. These meals can even be home delivered. They also have a senior companion program, which helps seniors remain in their homes longer. This allows for greater independence for these seniors. Click here for more information.

Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels forcuses on offering non-medical senior care, respite care, companionship and in-home care. To see more about their programs, go here.