The Best Daycare Centers in Eaton, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eaton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eaton
Primrose School of West Greeley
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Greeley offers a balanced learning approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their accredited curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills. Features low student-teacher ratios, highly qualified early childhood educators, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms, and structured learning centers. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, comprehensive curriculum, and excellent communication.
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The Goddard School of Greeley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greeley provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that encourages child-led exploration. Features state-certified teachers, STEAM curriculum, secure facilities with keypad entry, and daily progress reports. The center includes multiple age-specific classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs. Parents highlight the professional staff, clean facilities, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development. The school maintains high safety standards with comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
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Learning Tree Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Learning Tree Preschool & Childcare is Eaton's local childcare provider offering personalized care with a play-based educational approach. The center focuses on developmental milestones through structured activities, creative arts, and hands-on learning. Features small class sizes, experienced early childhood educators, secure facility, and nutritious meal program. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere, consistent staff, and convenient Eaton location. The center maintains Colorado Shines ratings and follows state licensing requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eaton, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Eaton, Colorado, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Eaton, all childcare facilities caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), which replaced the former Colorado Office of Early Childhood. This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and preschools. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official "Colorado Shines" public search tool on the CDEC website. This database allows you to look up any licensed program in Eaton by name or location, view their current license level, any history of violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). Always confirm licensing before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Eaton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Eaton and the surrounding Weld County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care and the age of your child. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,500 per month at a licensed childcare center. A toddler slot (18 months to 3 years) typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. Family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), administered locally by the Weld County Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, work/training hours, and family size. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Eaton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists for quality daycare centers in Eaton can be quite long. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant care. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and get on waitlists as soon as possible. For families moving to the area, start your search at least 4-6 months before you need care. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, ask for estimated timelines, and check in periodically to keep your spot active. Some smaller in-home providers may have shorter wait times, so consider a mix of options.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Eaton, Colorado?
While full-time care is most common, Eaton does offer some part-time and flexible options, though they are more limited. Several licensed family childcare homes may offer part-day or part-week schedules, such as 2-3 days a week. For drop-in or occasional care, your best local resources are typically in-home providers who offer that flexibility, as most centers require a set schedule. It's important to inquire directly with providers about their policies. Additionally, parents can explore the "Care.com" or "Weld County Childcare" Facebook groups to find registered babysitters or nanny-shares for more irregular hours. The Town of Eaton's Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department also occasionally offers parent's night out programs or seasonal camps for older children.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Eaton that offer specialized curriculum or outdoor/nature-based learning?
Yes, Eaton has a growing number of programs that emphasize specific educational philosophies and outdoor play. Several providers incorporate elements of nature-based learning, taking advantage of Colorado's climate with regular outdoor time and garden activities. You can find programs with play-based, Montessori-inspired, or faith-based curricula. For a structured preschool experience, look for programs that participate in the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) or are rated highly on the Colorado Shines quality scale (Level 3-5), as these often have strong curricular foundations. The local Eaton School District also operates preschool programs, which may have income-based eligibility. When touring, ask specifically about daily outdoor time, lesson planning, and their approach to early literacy and social-emotional learning.