The Best Daycare Centers in Burns, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burns. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burns
Primrose School of Parker
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Parker offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems with coded access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development, with dedicated outdoor play areas and nutritious meal programs. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols, serving families throughout the Parker area and surrounding communities including Burns.
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The Goddard School of Parker
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Parker provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The school features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classroom technology. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and physical coordination activities. The facility offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, regular parent communication through electronic daily reports, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Parker-Burns service area.
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Parker Montessori
Parker Montessori Preschool
Parker Montessori provides authentic Montessori education guided by AMI-trained teachers in carefully prepared classroom environments. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans, hands-on manipulative materials, and fostering independence in children from infancy through kindergarten. Their curriculum covers practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility features natural lighting, child-sized furniture, organic meal options, and secure campus with surveillance systems. With small class sizes and highly qualified Montessori-certified staff, they serve families throughout Douglas County including the Burns community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burns, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Burns, Colorado, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Burns, Colorado, all childcare facilities, including family child care homes and child care centers, must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The state has specific regulations for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility inspections. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official "Colorado Shines" public search tool on the CDEC website. This database not only confirms licensing but also shows a program's quality rating (Level 1-5), which is based on factors like staff qualifications and learning environment. Given Burns' rural nature, it's especially important to confirm licensing, as some informal, unlicensed care may be advertised.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in the Burns area, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the limited number of childcare providers in and around Burns, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6 months before care is needed. Many providers in rural Huerfano County, where Burns is located, have small capacities, so securing a spot requires early planning. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and pay a small deposit to hold your place.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Burns, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
In Burns and surrounding Huerfano County, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than in major Colorado cities but can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. For a child care center, you might expect to pay approximately $600-$850 per month for preschool-age children. Infant care is typically more expensive. The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is the primary state subsidy for qualifying low- and middle-income families, administered through the Huerfano County Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides free, part-time preschool for 4-year-olds (and some 3-year-olds) at participating providers, which can offset costs for that age group.
Given Burns' rural location, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and how do I find them?
The most common options in the Burns area are licensed family child care homes (FCCHs) operated in a provider's residence, which offer a smaller, home-like setting. There are fewer large child care centers, with families sometimes needing to look in nearby towns like Walsenburg for center-based options. To find providers, start with the "Colorado Shines" search tool filtered for Huerfano County. Local resources like the Huerfano County Early Childhood Council, community Facebook groups (e.g., "Burns, CO Community"), and word-of-mouth referrals from other parents are invaluable for discovering available in-home providers who may not advertise widely.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare in Burns, especially considering the unique aspects of a rural setting?
When touring a daycare in Burns, pay close attention to factors unique to a rural environment. First, inquire about emergency preparedness plans for severe weather, wildfires (a relevant risk in Colorado), and medical emergencies, given potentially longer EMS response times. Check the outdoor play area for safety and ask about sun protection and insect management. For in-home providers, ensure the home is childproofed and that there is a clear separation between family living space and childcare areas. Also, ask about their policy and transportation plans for local field trips or activities, as options in a small community are different from an urban area. Finally, observe how the provider incorporates the natural, rural environment into learning and play.