The Best Daycare Centers in Cascade, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cascade. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cascade
Ute Pass Montessori School
Ute Pass Montessori
Ute Pass Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education serving children from infancy through elementary years. Located just 15 minutes from Cascade in Woodland Park, this highly-rated center features certified Montessori teachers with specialized training in child development. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individualized instruction in carefully prepared environments. Facilities include spacious classrooms with natural materials, outdoor learning spaces, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and focuses on developing the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the strong sense of community.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of North Colorado Springs
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Colorado Springs, located approximately 20 minutes from Cascade, offers a nationally-recognized Balanced Learning® approach that combines academic preparation with character development. The facility features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and social studies integrated with music, art, and physical development. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. Parents highlight the structured yet nurturing environment and excellent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Colorado Springs (North)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in North Colorado Springs, serving the Cascade area approximately 25 minutes away, provides a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. The comprehensive program includes STEAM learning, language development, social skills, and physical activities in modern, secure facilities with multiple playgrounds and dedicated learning centers. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parent reviews consistently praise the engaging curriculum, professional staff, and clean, well-maintained facilities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cascade, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cascade, Colorado, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Cascade, Colorado, all childcare facilities caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and preschool programs. The licensing process involves comprehensive background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the facility, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the official "Colorado Shines" public search tool on the CDEC website. This database provides detailed quality ratings and compliance history, which is a crucial first step for parents in the Cascade area.
Given Cascade's small-town setting and proximity to Colorado Springs, are there typically long waitlists for quality daycare programs?
Yes, waitlists are a common reality for many sought-after daycare and preschool programs in and around Cascade. While Cascade itself has a limited number of providers, many families also consider options in nearby Manitou Springs and western Colorado Springs, which can be a short commute. High-quality programs, especially those with Colorado Shines high ratings, often have waitlists that can be several months to over a year long, particularly for infant and toddler care. It's strongly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care.
What is the average cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in the Cascade, CO area?
Childcare costs in the Cascade area are influenced by its location near popular tourist destinations and Colorado Springs. For full-time care (5 days a week), parents can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care and $1,000 to $1,400 per month for toddler care. Center-based care tends to be on the higher end of this range, while licensed family childcare homes may be slightly more affordable. These costs are generally consistent with the higher-than-state-average costs found in El Paso County. It's important to inquire about what is included in tuition, such as meals, diapers, and enrichment activities.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs in Cascade that take advantage of the local mountain environment?
Absolutely. Cascade's location in the Rocky Mountains makes it an ideal place for nature-focused early childhood education. Some local providers and nearby programs in the Pikes Peak region incorporate a "forest school" or outdoor education philosophy. These programs prioritize significant daily outdoor play and learning in all weather, leveraging nearby trails, open spaces, and natural features. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor schedule, their philosophy on risk and exploration, and how they integrate the local environment (like wildlife, plants, and geology) into their curriculum. This is a distinctive benefit of childcare in this specific community.
What resources are available to Cascade residents for finding and affording childcare, including any local referral services or financial assistance?
The primary resource for finding care is the "Colorado Shines" search tool. For personalized referral assistance, parents can contact the local resource and referral agency that serves El Paso County, such as "4C for Children" or "Early Connections Learning Centers." For financial assistance, Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides free, part-time preschool in the year before kindergarten to all children, which many local centers and preschools participate in. For help with costs for younger children, you can apply for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) through the El Paso County Department of Human Services to see if you qualify for subsidies based on income, work, or school attendance.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Cascade: