The Best Daycare Centers in Haswell, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Haswell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Haswell
Little People's Landing of Lamar
Little People's Landing
Little People's Landing provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive learning centers. The program focuses on hands-on learning through play while incorporating structured academic preparation. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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ABC Child Development Center
ABC Child Development Centers
ABC Child Development Center offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with emphasis on both academic readiness and social development. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, language development, and creative arts. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility features separate age-appropriate playgrounds, indoor gross motor areas, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. They provide flexible scheduling options and maintain strong relationships with local elementary schools for smooth transitions.
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Lamar Early Childhood Center
Lamar School District RE-2
Lamar Early Childhood Center operates as part of the Lamar School District, providing high-quality early education with certified teachers and specialized early childhood training. The program uses developmentally appropriate practices and follows state early learning guidelines. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness through literacy-rich environments, math concepts, and social skills development. The center offers comprehensive services including developmental screenings and family support resources. Facilities include purpose-built classrooms, safe outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication, volunteer opportunities, and family events, creating a strong school-community partnership.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Haswell, CO
What are my main options for licensed childcare in Haswell, Colorado, given it's a very small town?
In Haswell, a rural community with a population under 100, licensed childcare options are extremely limited. Your primary options will likely be a licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH), which is a small, home-based program. Due to the size of the town, there may only be one or two such providers, or possibly none within the town limits itself. Many families in Haswell look to neighboring, larger towns like Eads (about 20 miles east) or Lamar (about 40 miles southeast) for childcare centers or additional home-based options. It's crucial to use the Colorado Shines Child Care Search tool online to find currently licensed providers in and around Haswell. Be prepared for potential waitlists and longer commute times for drop-off and pick-up.
How does Colorado's state licensing for childcare apply to providers in a rural area like Haswell?
All childcare providers in Colorado who care for more than one unrelated family must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, regardless of location. This includes the required background checks, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and adherence to ratios and group sizes. In Haswell, most providers will fall under the "Family Child Care Home" license category. You can and should verify a provider's license status and any inspection history through the Colorado Shines website. A key factor in rural areas is that licensing specialists may have a large territory, so inspections might be less frequent than in urban centers, making parental vigilance and visits even more important.
What is the typical cost range for daycare in Haswell, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
In Haswell and the surrounding Kiowa County area, costs for a licensed Family Child Care Home are generally lower than state averages but can vary. You might expect to pay between $500 to $800 per month for full-time care for an infant or toddler. However, scarcity can sometimes drive up prices. The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is a vital resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize the cost of care. Your local county department of human services, based in Eads, administers CCCAP for Kiowa County. Additionally, the universal preschool (UPK) program in Colorado provides 15 hours per week of free preschool in the year before kindergarten, which may be offered through a local provider or a partnered center in a neighboring town.
Given the limited options, how far in advance should I start looking for childcare in Haswell, and what should I ask during a visit?
Due to the scarcity of slots, you should begin your search as soon as you know you'll need care, ideally 6-12 months in advance, especially for infant care. When you find a potential provider, a visit is essential. Ask specific questions tailored to a rural setting: What is your backup plan if you (the provider) are sick or have an emergency, given there are no substitute centers nearby? How do you handle emergency medical situations, considering the distance to the nearest hospital? Can you describe your daily structure and learning activities? What is your policy on inclement weather, like blizzards, which can isolate the town? Also, request references from other local families.
Are there any unique challenges or benefits to using childcare in a small, tight-knit community like Haswell?
There are distinct challenges and benefits. The main challenge is a severe lack of choice and availability, which can lead to long waitlists and the need to commute. Emergency backup care is very difficult to find locally. However, the benefits can be significant. Childcare in a home-based setting in Haswell often means your child is cared for in a familiar, community-oriented environment. The provider likely knows your family and the community values. Group sizes are very small, allowing for highly personalized attention. Your child may form close bonds with a few other local children, creating a "family-like" peer group. The setting often allows for more outdoor play and a connection to the rural lifestyle, which many parents value.