The Best Daycare Centers in Indian Hills, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Indian Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Indian Hills
The Goddard School of Littleton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Littleton offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development through play-based activities. All teachers are highly qualified with early childhood education degrees and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What makes this center stand out is their focus on individual child development with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app and regular progress reports.
Daycare Services:
Mountain Phoenix Community School
Mountain Phoenix Community School
Mountain Phoenix Community School offers Waldorf-inspired education with a holistic approach to child development. Their preschool program emphasizes imaginative play, artistic activities, and nature-based learning in a rhythmical daily schedule. The curriculum integrates movement, music, and hands-on experiences to support cognitive, social, and physical development. Teachers are Waldorf-certified with specialized training in child development. The campus features natural playgrounds, gardens, and indoor spaces designed to create a warm, home-like environment. This center stands out for its strong community focus, parent education programs, and commitment to developing the whole child through arts-integrated education.
Daycare Services:
Montessori School of Evergreen
Montessori School of Evergreen
Montessori School of Evergreen provides authentic Montessori education in a mountain setting, serving children from infancy through elementary years. Their curriculum follows AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) standards with individualized learning plans, practical life activities, and sensorial materials. The infant and toddler programs focus on developing independence, language skills, and motor coordination in carefully prepared environments. All lead teachers hold Montessori certifications and degrees in early childhood education. The campus features natural outdoor classrooms, gardens, and age-appropriate Montessori materials. This center stands out for its small class sizes, mixed-age groupings, and strong emphasis on fostering independence and respect for each child's unique developmental timeline.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Indian Hills, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Indian Hills, Colorado?
In Indian Hills and the surrounding mountain communities, childcare costs can be higher than in the Denver metro area due to lower provider density and operational costs. For a licensed in-home daycare, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time infant care. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), costs typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. It's important to note that many facilities in this area have limited slots, and some may charge a premium for their programs. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential scholarships or sibling discounts.
How can I find licensed childcare providers in Indian Hills, and what should I look for in terms of Colorado state regulations?
The primary resource is the Colorado Office of Early Childhood's online "Colorado Shines" directory. You can filter searches for licensed family child care homes, preschools, and centers in the 80454 zip code and surrounding areas. Colorado law requires all providers caring for more than one unrelated child to be licensed. When evaluating a provider, ensure they have a current license, which involves background checks, health and safety training, and facility inspections. In Indian Hills, also consider practicalities like their emergency preparedness plan for mountain weather (snow closures, wildfire risk) and their policy for managing the local wildlife (like bears) if they have outdoor play areas.
Are there any nature or outdoor-focused childcare programs available in the Indian Hills area?
Yes, the mountain community setting lends itself to nature-based programs, though they are limited in number. Some licensed in-home providers and small preschools integrate daily outdoor exploration into their curriculum, taking advantage of the local trails and forested areas. There are also occasional forest school or nature preschool programs that operate seasonally in nearby communities like Evergreen or Conifer, which may be an option for commuting parents. When researching, ask specifically about their outdoor philosophy, safety protocols for the mountain environment, and how they handle varying weather conditions. Due to high demand, these specialized programs often have significant waitlists.
What is the waitlist situation for daycare in Indian Hills, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for quality, licensed childcare in Indian Hills and the surrounding foothills are notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 6-12 months in advance is advisable. Be prepared to place non-refundable deposits on multiple waitlists. Networking through local parent groups on social media (like those for "Evergreen/Conifer/Indian Hills Moms") can sometimes provide leads on smaller, unadvertised in-home openings.
Given the rural mountain location, what are the backup childcare options if my regular provider is closed due to weather or emergencies?
This is a critical consideration for Indian Hills parents. Major snowstorms, power outages, or wildfire threats can lead to sudden closures. First, discuss a detailed emergency closure policy with your primary provider. For backup, options are limited but include: 1) Utilizing drop-in daycare centers in closer suburbs like Lakewood or Golden, though this requires a safe commute down the mountain. 2) Arranging a share with another local family who uses a different provider. 3) Joining a local babysitting co-op or hiring a trusted, background-checked nanny or sitter from the community who can come to your home. Planning ahead and having a flexible work arrangement are essential for managing these unique mountain-living childcare challenges.