The Best Daycare Centers in Hasty, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hasty. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hasty
Little People's Landing of La Junta
Little People's Landing
Little People's Landing provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes developmental milestones. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms. Their educational approach includes hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators, secured entry systems, and regular safety drills. They offer nutritious meal programs and extensive outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Otero Junior College Child Development Center
Otero Junior College
Operated by Otero Junior College, this center combines early childhood education with teacher training programs. The facility uses a developmental approach that integrates play-based learning with structured educational activities. Staff includes qualified early childhood professionals and college education students under supervision. The center features observation rooms for parent viewing, modern security systems, and developmentally appropriate playgrounds. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness skills, cognitive development, and social interaction, with regular developmental assessments and parent conferences.
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Tiny Tots Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation and social development. The center features separate learning areas for different age groups, including dedicated infant care rooms with specialized caregivers. Their educational philosophy emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and creative expression through arts and music. The facility maintains strict safety protocols including secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular health inspections. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain ongoing professional development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hasty, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hasty, Colorado, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Hasty, Colorado, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). This includes family childcare homes (caring for up to 12 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff qualifications. To verify a facility's license, you can use the "Licensed Child Care Search" tool on the Colorado Office of Early Childhood's website. You can search by provider name, city (Hasty), or zip code to view their license status, any history of violations, and their capacity. It's a critical first step for any parent in the area to ensure a provider operates legally and meets state safety benchmarks.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Hasty, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Hasty, waitlists for daycare, especially for infants (under 18 months), can be significant. It's common for popular centers or licensed home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. Contact providers directly to inquire about their current waitlist length and process. Some may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Las Animas or La Junta for more options, though this will add commute time.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for a toddler in Hasty, Colorado?
The cost of childcare in Hasty is generally lower than in Colorado's major metropolitan areas but varies by provider type. For a toddler (ages 1-3), you can expect to pay approximately $600 to $850 per month for full-time care at a licensed childcare center. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $500 to $750 monthly. These rates typically cover a standard week (Monday-Friday). It's important to ask what is included (meals, snacks, curriculum) and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups. Colorado also offers financial assistance programs like the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for eligible families in Bent County.
Are there any state or local programs in Hasty that help with childcare costs for working families?
Yes, there are key programs available to Hasty residents. The primary program is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), administered by the Bent County Department of Human Services. CCCAP provides subsidies to help low- and middle-income working families, those in training, or those seeking employment pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, you may qualify for the Colorado Child Tax Credit or the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. For the most current information and application, contact the Bent County DHS office directly or visit the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website to learn about CCCAP and other supports like the Universal Preschool (UPK) program for 4-year-olds.
What outdoor and enrichment activities can I expect from daycare programs in Hasty, given the local climate and rural setting?
Daycares in Hasty often leverage the rural Colorado environment for enrichment. Given the high plains climate with hot summers and mild winters, expect daily outdoor play in secured yards, weather permitting. Activities might include gardening, nature walks, and sand/water play in summer. Many providers incorporate local themes, like agriculture or wildlife native to the Arkansas River Valley region. Due to the smaller community scale, formal extracurriculars (like music or foreign language classes) are less common within daycare settings, but providers often focus on creative arts, storytime, and foundational learning through play. It's a good idea to ask a provider for a sample weekly activity schedule to see how they structure the day and if they take advantage of local parks or libraries.