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As Congress looks to cut $880 billion in the next decade from a pool of federal funding which includes Medicaid, a new report from Georgetown University showed how cuts could affect early childhood education professionals as well as kids in Colorado.

Toni Sarge, director of health policy for the Colorado Children's Campaign, said Medicaid is central to maintaining a strong and stable child care workforce.

"In Colorado, for example, nearly one in four of our child care workers rely on Medicaid to access affordable health care coverage," Sarge reported.

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Colorado lawmakers were able to close a $1 billion budget shortfall without major Medicaid cuts this year. But Sarge emphasized the state would not be able to backfill any lost federal dollars, which would likely mean a reduction in coverage. Republicans have said cuts to Medicaid could be made without reducing benefits by improving the program and reducing waste and fraud.

Suzanne Michael, associate director of state health policy and advocacy at the Center for Law and Social Policy, said no one could take $880 billion in federal funding out of the system and still provide health insurance to the same number of people covered today.

"Regardless of what you hear about 'we're just trying to cut waste, fraud and abuse,' it's just not possible at these numbers," Michael argued. "We will see people lose health insurance."

Researchers said if child care workers lose health coverage, it would further deepen a child care crisis, driven in large part by low pay. Sarge, also a working parent, stressed thriving and healthy caregivers are critical, especially during a child's first few years when their brains are developing quickly.

"When my child goes to school and his teachers and his providers are healthy and well, and can show up to work consistently, they create a safe and secure learning and playing environment," Sarge added.