The Best Daycare Centers in Hillrose, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillrose. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillrose
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Hillrose area from nearby Fort Morgan. They employ a comprehensive curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and the center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They emphasize social-emotional development alongside academic readiness and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication.
Daycare Services:
Kids Connection Learning Center
Independent
Kids Connection Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout Morgan County, including Hillrose residents. Their educational approach focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities and creative exploration. The center features separate classrooms for each age group, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and qualified teachers with early childhood certifications. They offer a balanced curriculum that includes literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and arts. The center is known for its inclusive environment, flexible scheduling options, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Health and safety are prioritized with strict cleaning protocols and staff trained in pediatric first aid/CPR.
Daycare Services:
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center serves the Hillrose community from their Fort Morgan location with a focus on nurturing each child's individual development. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning while incorporating STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills. The center features modern, well-maintained facilities with age-appropriate learning materials and secure outdoor play areas. Staff members are carefully selected for their educational background and experience in early childhood development. Little Sprouts maintains excellent safety standards with keypad entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all employees. Parents appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and the center's commitment to open communication and developmental progress tracking.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillrose, CO
What types of licensed childcare options are available in Hillrose, Colorado?
In Hillrose, Colorado, licensed childcare options primarily consist of family childcare homes (FCH) and preschool programs, as it is a smaller rural community. There are typically no large, corporate daycare centers within the town itself. Licensed Family Child Care Homes are the most common, where a provider cares for a small group of children in their own residence. For preschool-aged children, the local school district, Brush School District RE-2(J), may offer a part-day preschool program, often located at Beaver Valley Elementary School, which serves the Hillrose area. Parents often also find in-home providers through the state's official resource, Colorado Shines. Due to limited options, some families consider providers in nearby towns like Brush or Fort Morgan.
How much does childcare typically cost in Hillrose, and are there financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Hillrose are generally lower than in Colorado's urban areas but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, full-time care for an infant or toddler may range from $600 to $800 per month. Preschool programs, if part-day, might cost $150-$300 per month. The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is a key resource for eligible families, administered through the Morgan County Department of Human Services. This program helps low-income families, those in training, or those working, pay for childcare. Additionally, the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides free, part-day preschool for all 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds, which can significantly reduce costs for qualifying families in the Hillrose area.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Hillrose, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Hillrose, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care and sought-after family childcare homes. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6-9 months before their needed start date, particularly if you require care for a child under 2 years old. For the Colorado Universal Preschool program, the state-wide application typically opens in January for the following fall semester. Proactively contacting local providers, even before your child is born, and getting on multiple lists is a practical strategy. Networking with other parents in the community through local Facebook groups or community boards can also provide leads on potential openings.
What should I look for when evaluating a family childcare home in Hillrose?
When evaluating a family childcare home in Hillrose, first verify their license is current and view their quality rating on Colorado Shines, the state's quality improvement and rating system. A higher rating (1-5) indicates a higher quality program. During a visit, observe the home's safety, cleanliness, and child-proofing. Ask about the provider's experience, emergency procedures, daily schedule, meal plans, and their policy on sick children. Given Hillrose's rural setting, inquire about outdoor play areas and inclement weather plans. It's also crucial to understand their vacation and closure schedule. Request references from current or former parents. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with the children and the overall environment.
What are the state licensing requirements for childcare providers in Hillrose, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All childcare providers in Hillrose caring for more than one unrelated family must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Key requirements include passing background checks, completing training in CPR/First Aid, Safe Sleep (for infants), and mandatory reporter training, and meeting health and safety standards for their home. You can and should verify a provider's license status, inspection history, and any serious violations for free through the official "Colorado Shines" website or by calling the CDEC. This public portal also shows the provider's quality rating. Choosing a licensed provider ensures a baseline of safety and oversight, which is critical for your child's well-being. Unlicensed care is risky and not subject to state monitoring.