The Best Daycare Centers in Frederick, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frederick. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frederick
Primrose School of Longmont
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Longmont offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies with dedicated foreign language and music programs. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure facility with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the structured yet nurturing environment and strong communication systems.
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The Learning Experience - Erie
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Erie provides a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy curriculum. Features state-of-the-art facilities with secure access, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling options and emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development. Parents highlight the clean, modern facility and the center's focus on both educational foundation and character building.
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Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center
Little Lukes
Little Lukes is a locally-owned childcare center serving Frederick families with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Features certified teachers with early childhood credentials, secure facility with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center maintains small class sizes and offers enrichment programs including music and movement. Parents appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, consistent communication, and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frederick, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Frederick, CO, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Frederick, CO, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Home-based daycare programs are often slightly less expensive. It's important to note that Frederick is part of the Denver Metro area, which tends to have higher childcare costs than rural parts of Colorado. For financial assistance, Colorado's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary state resource for qualifying families. Additionally, the Town of Frederick may have local resources or partnerships; we recommend contacting the Frederick Recreation Department or the St. Vrain Valley School District's Family Center for information on potential local scholarships or sliding scale options offered by specific providers.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Frederick, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists in Frederick can be lengthy, especially for infant care at highly-rated centers, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more. For toddler and preschool slots, waitlists may be 3 to 6 months. The high demand is driven by Frederick's growing population and limited number of facilities relative to the number of young families. To improve your chances, we recommend: 1) Getting on multiple waitlists as soon as possible, even during pregnancy. 2) Considering licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller setting. 3) Exploring newer daycare centers that have recently opened in developments like the Frederick Town Center. 4) Being flexible with your start date and checking in with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. The Colorado Shines website is a great tool to find and contact licensed providers in your zip code.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Colorado, and how can I verify a provider's credentials in Frederick?
All childcare providers in Colorado caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), ongoing professional development, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants). To verify a provider's credentials and performance, you should use the **Colorado Shines** quality rating and improvement system. This public database allows you to search for licensed providers in Frederick (80530, 80516) and view their license status, any history of violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). A higher Colorado Shines rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Frederick area?
Yes, Frederick's proximity to open spaces, trails, and agricultural land has fostered a growing interest in nature-based programming. While dedicated forest schools are more common in Boulder, several Frederick providers incorporate strong outdoor components. Some local centers have large, natural outdoor classrooms with gardens, mud kitchens, and sensory play areas. Furthermore, given Colorado's climate, look for providers with clear policies for outdoor play in all weather (with appropriate gear). For a more immersive experience, you might explore programs in nearby towns like Longmont or Erie that offer farm-based or forest preschool models, though availability and commute are factors. The Frederick Recreation Department also offers seasonal nature preschool programs and camps that can supplement traditional care.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in Frederick if my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
Finding backup care in Frederick can be challenging but there are a few local strategies. First, some larger daycare centers in the area offer "drop-in" care for enrolled families on a space-available basis, but this is not universal. A more reliable option is to utilize local **nanny or babysitter networks** through apps or community Facebook groups like "Frederick, CO Moms & Dads." For children with mild, non-contagious illnesses (which are often excluded from regular daycare), specialized "sick child" care is extremely limited in Frederick itself. You may need to look at services based in larger neighboring cities like Longmont or Broomfield. Planning ahead by identifying a trusted backup sitter or forming a small "pod" with another family for mutual aid is highly recommended for Frederick parents. Always confirm any backup provider's credentials and insurance.