The Best Daycare Centers in Frisco, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frisco. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frisco
Little Red Schoolhouse
Little Red Schoolhouse Childcare Center
Little Red Schoolhouse is a highly-regarded childcare center in Frisco known for its play-based educational approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired activities, outdoor exploration in the Rocky Mountain environment, and literacy-rich programs. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified with early childhood education degrees, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials and a fenced outdoor play area. Standout features include a focus on nature-based learning, daily parent communication via apps, and nutritious, organic meal programs. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Summit County Preschool and Childcare
Summit County Childcare Services
Summit County Preschool and Childcare offers a comprehensive early childhood program rooted in a balanced curriculum that blends academic readiness with creative arts and physical activity. The center uses the Creative Curriculum system, focusing on developmental milestones through structured play, STEM activities, and language development. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing training, with an emphasis on safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular health inspections. The facility features modern classrooms, a dedicated nap room, and an outdoor playground designed for mountain weather. What sets this center apart is its integration of local culture through field trips and environmental education, along with flexible scheduling options for working families in the Summit County area.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Childcare Network
Located in nearby Silverthorne, Little Sprouts Learning Center serves Frisco families with a child-led, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that fosters independence and curiosity. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, sensory activities, and social-emotional skills, supported by qualified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood development. Safety is prioritized through video monitoring, strict pickup procedures, and allergen-aware environments. The center boasts bright, spacious classrooms, an indoor gross motor area, and an outdoor garden for hands-on learning. Notable for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent partnerships, Little Sprouts offers enrichment programs like music and movement, and maintains high parent satisfaction through transparent communication and regular progress updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frisco, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Frisco, Colorado, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Colorado, all childcare facilities caring for two or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and preschool programs in Frisco. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the official "Colorado Shines" website or portal. This is a crucial first step, as it provides transparency about a provider's compliance with state regulations, including staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and safe sleep practices for infants.
Given Frisco's high cost of living and tourism-based economy, what is the average cost of full-time daycare, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Frisco and Summit County are among the highest in Colorado, reflecting the area's elevated cost of living. For full-time, center-based care for an infant, parents can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400+ per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs range from $1,400 to $2,000 monthly. Family childcare homes may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), administered locally by the Summit County Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some local employers in the ski and hospitality industry may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or limited stipends.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Frisco, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited year-round childcare capacity in Frisco, waitlists can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Many centers have a seasonal influx of inquiries, so contacting them in the late winter or early spring before the next program year can be advantageous. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee and to follow up periodically to maintain your spot.
Are there unique childcare options in Frisco that cater to parents with non-traditional or seasonal work schedules in the ski and hospitality industries?
Yes, Frisco's economy creates a need for flexible childcare. Some providers offer extended hours, early morning drop-offs (as early as 6:00 AM), or occasional "drop-in" care to accommodate shift workers at the nearby ski resorts (like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone) and local restaurants. However, these spots are highly limited. A few centers may also offer seasonal contracts or part-time schedules aligned with the winter and summer tourism peaks. It's essential to communicate your specific schedule needs upfront. Networking through local parent groups on social media can also help find licensed family childcare providers who offer more flexible arrangements.
What role does the outdoor environment and mountain lifestyle play in local daycare programs in Frisco?
Many childcare programs in Frisco heavily incorporate the mountain environment into their daily curriculum, aligning with Colorado's early learning guidelines for health and physical development. It's common for preschools and daycares to have scheduled outdoor time in all but the most extreme weather, emphasizing nature exploration, physical activity, and learning about the local ecosystem. Look for programs with secure outdoor play spaces and policies on appropriate winter gear. Some may even incorporate introductory "ski days" or snow play for older preschoolers in partnership with local resorts. When touring facilities, ask about their outdoor philosophy, safety protocols for variable weather, and how they balance active play with academic readiness.
Childcare Insights for Frisco
As the snow melts from the peaks of the Tenmile Range and Frisco’s trails beckon under the summer sun, many local parents face the annual question: where can I find engaging and reliable summer childcare? The search for "summer childcare near me" in our vibrant mountain town comes with unique considerations, blending the need for safe supervision with the incredible opportunity for kids to fully embrace the Colorado summer. Fortunately, Frisco and the surrounding Summit County area offer a wonderful array of options that go far beyond basic babysitting, focusing on adventure, creativity, and connection with our spectacular environment.
When beginning your search, timing is everything. Popular programs in Frisco often fill up quickly, sometimes as early as spring. A great first step is to explore the Town of Frisco’s own recreational offerings. The Frisco Adventure Park and the Frisco Bay Marina are hubs for summer activity, and the town’s recreation department frequently runs day camps that incorporate paddle sports, mountain biking, and outdoor exploration. These camps are fantastic for instilling a love for the local landscape while ensuring kids are active and supervised by trained professionals. Similarly, the Summit County Recreation Department offers a variety of themed camps that are easily accessible from Frisco.
For a more traditional daycare setting that operates throughout the summer, several licensed centers and in-home providers in Frisco offer flexible summer schedules. These can be ideal for parents with consistent work hours, providing a stable routine. When inquiring, ask about their summer curriculum—many integrate daily outdoor time, walks to the Frisco Historic Park, or water play to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Don’t overlook local preschools, as some transition into summer camp programs for a wider age range once their academic year concludes.
The unique fabric of our community also provides specialized opportunities. Consider camps focused on mountain sports, arts, or science. Organizations in nearby towns like Breckenridge or Silverthorne often run shuttle services or are just a short drive away, expanding your options significantly. For school-age children, many parents find success with a "patchwork" approach, combining a few weeks of a specialty mountain biking camp with sessions of a more general recreation camp, preventing burnout and keeping the summer exciting.
As you evaluate options, prioritize visits and conversations. Ask about staff-to-child ratios, staff training in both childcare and outdoor safety, and their protocols for our occasional afternoon thunderstorms. A quality provider in Frisco will be adept at balancing indoor and outdoor activities safely. Finally, tap into the local parent networks—Facebook community groups, conversations at the Frisco Commons Park playground, or recommendations from your child’s school teacher are invaluable. Finding the right summer childcare in Frisco is about matching your child’s interests with a program that views our mountain home not just as a backdrop, but as a classroom and playground. With a little planning, your child’s summer can be filled with growth, friendship, and the kind of adventures that make growing up in Colorado so special.