EXECUTIVES PARTNERING TO INVEST IN CHILDREN
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Launching a New Child Care Center in Craig: A Rural Success Story
In Craig, Colorado, a local educator, Shelly Duzik set out to address the community’s shortage of full-day, year-round child care. With guidance from EPIC’s Child Care Facility Technical Assistance program, she developed a sustainable business plan, secured a facility, and navigated licensing and operations. In 2025, she opened a new preschool and child care center serving up to 30 children ages 12 months to 6 years. The program now provides much-needed access to quality early learning in rural northwest Colorado, helping families find reliable care and strengthening the local early childhood system.
Challenge
Craig, Colorado, like many rural communities, faced a shortage of full-day, year-round child care options. Families struggled to find reliable programs that fit their work schedules and transportation needs, leaving many children in unlicensed care or without preschool altogether.
Local educator Shelly Duzik saw these challenges daily through her work in the public schools and envisioned a high-quality, sustainable program that could meet families’ needs throughout the year. As a first-time business owner seeking to open a new center, she faced major hurdles in finding a facility, securing funding and navigating the complex processes of licensing and program design.
Solution
Through EPIC and DOLA’s Child Care Facility Technical Assistance program, the provider received individualized support to move from concept to operation. EPIC guided her through cost modeling, funding strategies and the development of a business plan that balanced affordability with long-term sustainability. The team helped evaluate facilities, connect with local licensing experts and plan for staffing, payroll and marketing.
EPIC also facilitated introductions to regional partners such as Colorado Northwestern Community College to explore workforce collaborations. This hands-on, relationship-based support helped the provider turn her vision into a practical, community-rooted business model.
Outcome
In September 2025, the provider opened a new licensed child care and preschool program in Craig, Colorado, serving up to 30 children ages 12 months to 6 years. Operating Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., the center offers full-day, year-round care and is rated Colorado Shines Level 1 with plans for continued quality growth.
The new program fills a critical gap for local families, offering stability, access and high-quality early learning experiences. This success story demonstrates how targeted technical assistance and local leadership can come together to expand child care opportunities and strengthen Colorado’s rural early childhood infrastructure.