The Best Daycare Centers in Arapahoe, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arapahoe. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arapahoe
Primrose School of Centennial
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Centennial offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and life skills. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong communication, and the developmental progress children make across all learning domains.
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The Goddard School of Littleton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Littleton provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that focuses on academic, social, creative, and physical development. Their faculty includes early childhood professionals with degrees and ongoing professional development. The school features modern classrooms, secure keypad entry, outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills, with parents noting exceptional teacher engagement and detailed progress reporting.
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Montessori School of Littleton - Centennial Campus
Montessori School of Littleton
Montessori School of Littleton's Centennial Campus offers authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments designed to foster independence and natural curiosity. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mixed-age classrooms, and individualized pacing across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility includes beautiful outdoor learning environments, natural materials, and secure campus protocols. Parents consistently report exceptional academic preparation, strong community values, and children who develop genuine love for learning in this nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arapahoe, CO
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Arapahoe, Colorado?
In Arapahoe and the surrounding Denver metro area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging between $1,400 and $1,900 per month. These rates can vary significantly based on the type of care (center-based vs. home-based), the specific program's amenities, and its location within Arapahoe. It's important to note that Colorado offers the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for qualifying families, which can help subsidize these costs. Many centers also offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and fee schedules.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Arapahoe is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All licensed childcare providers in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can use the official "Colorado Shines" online search tool to look up any licensed program in Arapahoe. This database provides the provider's current license status, their quality rating (Level 1-5 in the Colorado Shines rating system), and any history of licensing violations or substantiated complaints. We strongly recommend choosing a program that is actively participating in the Colorado Shines rating system, as this indicates a commitment to quality beyond minimum state standards. You can also contact the Arapahoe County Public Health Department for local health inspection records related to childcare facilities.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Arapahoe, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Arapahoe, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. We advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is more common but still recommended. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150) and to check in periodically with the center to keep your spot active. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a childcare center in Arapahoe?
The main differences lie in environment, scale, and regulations. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence in Arapahoe. They are typically smaller, caring for a mixed-age group of up to 12 children (with specific ratios), which can offer a more home-like, flexible, and family-oriented setting. **Childcare Centers** are commercial facilities dedicated solely to childcare. They often have more children, separate classrooms by age, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. Centers must meet the same Colorado state licensing standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications, but homes have different physical space requirements. Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your schedule (as homes may offer more flexible hours), and your preference for a specific educational philosophy.
Does Arapahoe offer any public preschool or universal Pre-K programs for 4-year-olds?
Yes, Colorado's landmark **Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado** program provides 15 hours per week of free, voluntary preschool to all Colorado children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten (typically age 4). In Arapahoe, you apply through a single online application on the UPK Colorado website, where you can select from a variety of participating providers, including school district programs, private centers, and licensed homes. The Arapahoe County-based **Cherry Creek School District** and **Littleton Public Schools** also offer their own full-day and half-day preschool programs, which may have additional fees or income-based tuition scales. It's crucial to apply during the UPK open enrollment period (usually January-February) for the best placement options.