Copper Community Childcare
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Our mission is to provide an immersive learning experience that empowers children to be active, engaged learners who appreciate the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. We believe that parents are an integral part of their childs learning process and need to be included in our everyday activities through communication and a collaborative learning plan.
- Income
- $1.0 million
- Spending
- $1.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 87%
- Reserves
- -2.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 80%
- Employees
- 21
- Highest pay
- $84,271, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 42 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 245% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 76% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1587% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $885,706 spent. Statement of Program Accomplishments Since opening in February 2024, Mountain Sprouts Academy has worked to build a high-quality, relationship-based early childhood program serving families in the Copper Mountain and greater Summit County community. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our mission is to provide a nurturing, child-centered learning environment where children are viewed as capable, curious, and competent learners. We strive to foster creativity, collaboration, exploration, and meaningful relationships while supporting the needs of working families in our mountain community. Over the past year, Mountain Sprouts Academy has made significant progress toward achieving its organizational goals. Key accomplishments include: Continuing to successfully operate and grow a licensed early childhood program serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a community with limited access to quality care. Creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment grounded in Reggio Emiliainspired practices and developmentally appropriate care. Earning a 4-Star rating through Colorados Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), recognizing the programs commitment to high-quality early childhood education and continuous improvement. Building strong relationships with families through open communication, family engagement opportunities, and community-centered events. Expanding staffing capacity through the hiring and mentoring of educators committed to reflective teaching practices and collaborative learning. Supporting workforce needs within the Copper Mountain community by providing reliable childcare for resort employees, local families, and business owners. Offering extended and seasonal care options, including Saturday programming during ski season, to better meet the unique scheduling needs of mountain familiesDeveloping community partnerships and fundraising initiatives to support long-term sustainability and program growth. Continuing professional development efforts for staff through mentorship, coaching, and ongoing training focused on high-quality early childhood education practices. Mountain Sprouts Academy continues to grow as a trusted early childhood resource within the community. Our program remains committed to strengthening educational quality, expanding access to care, and creating meaningful early learning experiences that support both children and families for years to come.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.