The Best Daycare Centers in Denver, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Denver. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Denver
Primrose School of Denver Central Park
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Denver Central Park offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, and age-appropriate classrooms. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM activities while maintaining low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the structured yet nurturing environment and comprehensive communication through daily reports and parent portals.
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Montessori Children's House of Denver
Montessori Children's House of Denver
This authentic Montessori school provides AMI-certified education in thoughtfully prepared environments designed to foster independence and natural development. The school features beautiful, light-filled classrooms with authentic Montessori materials, secure outdoor play spaces, and gardens. All lead teachers hold AMI diplomas and bachelor's degrees, with many having advanced degrees. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Parents appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, individualized learning pace, and strong community feel, with many families staying through elementary years.
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La Petite Academy of Denver - Cherry Creek
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Cherry Creek provides comprehensive early education with a focus on school readiness through their Links to Learning® curriculum. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, age-specific playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. All teachers meet state qualifications and receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development, with regular progress reports for parents. The center is praised for its flexible scheduling options, nutritious meal program, and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for all children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Denver, CO
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Denver, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Denver, the average cost of full-time, center-based infant care is approximately $1,700 to $2,200 per month, making it one of the more expensive childcare markets in the country. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,800 monthly. These rates can vary significantly based on the neighborhood, type of facility (center vs. in-home), and specific program offerings. Colorado offers several financial assistance programs to help families. The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) provides subsidies to income-eligible families, and Denver's Early Childhood Council is a key resource for navigating these options. Additionally, many Denver employers offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can provide further relief.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in Denver, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in popular Denver neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Highlands, Wash Park, and LoHi can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, it's recommended to start your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding areas like Aurora, Lakewood, or Englewood, which may have shorter waitlists. Utilizing resources like the "Colorado Shines" quality rating website can help you identify quality options beyond the most well-known centers.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Colorado, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Colorado, licensed childcare centers are facilities that care for groups of children in a non-residential setting, often with multiple classrooms and staff. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence and typically care for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 12, including the provider's own). Centers often have more structured curricula and multiple caregivers, while homes may offer a more intimate, family-like setting with potentially more flexible hours. To verify the license and compliance history of any provider, you must use the official Colorado Office of Early Childhood's **"Provider Search" tool**. This public database shows the license status, any history of violations, and the program's "Colorado Shines" quality rating level (1-5), which is Colorado's quality improvement and rating system.
Are there any unique Denver or Colorado-specific regulations regarding health, safety, or staff qualifications that I should look for in a daycare?
Yes, Colorado has specific regulations overseen by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Key areas to ask about include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), which are strictly enforced. **Background Checks:** All staff must pass a comprehensive TRAILS (Trails and Regulatory Automated Information and Licensing System) background check. **Training:** Colorado requires all licensed providers to complete mandatory training in topics like Standard Precautions, Mandatory Reporting, and Medication Administration. Furthermore, due to Denver's high altitude and sun exposure, a quality program should have sun safety policies (hats, sunscreen) and ensure children are well-hydrated. In winter, check their policies for outdoor play in cold weather.
What resources are available in Denver to help me find and evaluate childcare options beyond a simple online search?
Denver parents have several excellent local resources. The **Denver Early Childhood Council (DECC)** is the city's designated "child care resource and referral" agency. They offer free, personalized referrals and guidance. The **Colorado Shines website** is the state's official quality rating system where you can search for programs by location and see their rating (Level 1-5) based on factors like staff qualifications and learning environment. For community insights, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Denver Mom Collective," neighborhood-specific groups) are invaluable for personal recommendations and experiences. Additionally, the **Denver Public Library** often hosts events and has resources for early childhood development and parenting support.