The Best Daycare Centers in La Salle, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Salle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Salle
The Goddard School of Greeley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greeley offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms. Certified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum elements, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training.
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La Cima Club
Private Ownership
La Cima Club provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with hands-on learning experiences, Spanish language exposure, and character development programs. The facility features secure access control, multiple outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. Staff includes experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training requirements. The center emphasizes parent partnerships with daily communication logs, regular conferences, and family events. They maintain strict health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures and emergency response plans.
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Primrose School of Greeley West
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Greeley West offers Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, character development programs, and hands-on learning activities. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and age-specific learning environments. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, regular assessment of developmental milestones, and strong parent communication through the Primrose Schools app. Their safety protocols include strict visitor policies, emergency preparedness drills, and comprehensive staff background checks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Salle, CO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in La Salle, CO, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In La Salle, Colorado, all childcare facilities caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Office of Early Childhood. This includes family child care homes and child care centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. You can verify a provider's license status, view any history of violations, and see their specific capacity and age ranges served by using the official "Colorado Shines" quality rating and improvement system website or by contacting the CDHS directly. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers or in-home providers in La Salle, and when should I start looking?
Due to La Salle's smaller size and proximity to the larger Greeley area, quality childcare spots can be competitive, with waitlists often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. For popular providers or those with high Colorado Shines ratings, waitlists can be longer. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often is it updated?), and consider both licensed centers in La Salle and licensed family child care homes in the surrounding Weld County area to increase your options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in La Salle, CO?
Childcare costs in La Salle are generally reflective of the Weld County and Northern Colorado region. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), parents can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care in a licensed center, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for a licensed family child care home. Toddler care is typically $100-$200 less per month. These rates can vary based on the provider's Colorado Shines rating, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and specific programs offered. It's important to inquire about what the tuition includes and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
Are there any local resources or programs in La Salle or Weld County that help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are several key local resources. The primary resource is the "Colorado Shines" website, which is a searchable database of all licensed providers. For financial assistance, the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is administered through the Weld County Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Additionally, the Early Childhood Council of Weld County is a valuable local organization that provides parent referrals, information on quality, and resources for early childhood development. They can help navigate options both in La Salle and the broader county. Some employers in the region may also offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Given La Salle's agricultural setting, are there childcare options that accommodate non-traditional or seasonal work hours common in the area?
This is a very relevant concern for many families in La Salle. While standard daycare hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM) are most common, options for non-traditional hours are more limited. Some licensed family child care homes may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate shift work. Your best strategy is to be upfront about your schedule needs when interviewing providers. You may also need to explore a combination of solutions, such as a nanny share with another local family with similar schedules or utilizing a trusted, licensed provider in nearby Greeley that may have extended-hour centers. Discussing this need early and clearly is crucial to finding a workable arrangement.