The Best Daycare Centers in Littleton, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Littleton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Littleton
Primrose School of Highlands Ranch
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Highlands Ranch follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academic readiness. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. Features secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Stands out for its structured learning environment combined with play-based activities and strong parent communication through regular updates and conferences.
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The Goddard School of Littleton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Littleton offers a play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. Features low student-teacher ratios, STEM curriculum elements, and daily yoga/music enrichment. All lead teachers hold early childhood degrees or credentials, with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure keypad entry, indoor gym, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Distinguished by its focus on individual learning paths and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
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Sunrise Montessori of Littleton
Sunrise Montessori
Sunrise Montessori provides authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained guides and mixed-age classrooms that foster independence and natural curiosity. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Features beautiful natural light classrooms, organic gardens, and peaceful learning environments. All teachers hold Montessori certifications and bachelor's degrees. Notable for its commitment to the complete Montessori method, including uninterrupted work cycles and individualized learning plans. Serves families throughout the south metro area including Littleton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Littleton, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Littleton, Colorado?
In Littleton, full-time daycare costs vary significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. In-home family childcare homes are often more affordable, ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 for infants and $1,000 to $1,500 for toddlers. These rates are generally higher than the Colorado state average due to Littleton's location in the Denver metro area and its high demand for quality care. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and enrichment programs.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Littleton, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Littleton can be lengthy, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To improve your chances, we recommend starting your search and getting on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 9-12 months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if a deposit is required to hold a spot (which is common), and if they offer priority to siblings or employees of local corporations. Exploring newer centers or registered family childcare homes can also offer shorter wait times while still providing quality, licensed care.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Littleton?
Both are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), but they operate in different settings. Licensed **Childcare Centers** are facilities in commercial or dedicated buildings, often with multiple classrooms, several staff members, and structured curricula. They typically have larger groups but stricter staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants). Licensed **Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They have a smaller maximum capacity (up to 12 children, including the provider's own) and can offer more flexible hours. In Littleton, both options must meet the same state health, safety, and background check standards. The choice often comes down to your preference for environment, group size, and schedule flexibility.
Are there any local Littleton or Colorado-specific financial assistance programs to help with childcare costs?
Yes, there are several key programs. The primary statewide program is the **Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)**, administered by the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services for Littleton residents. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as work or school attendance). Additionally, Colorado offers the **Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado** program, which provides 15 hours per week of free, voluntary preschool in the year before kindergarten to all children, often delivered through participating childcare centers and preschools in Littleton. Some local employers in the Denver Tech Center or Lockheed Martin may also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers. It's best to contact the Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council for the most current guidance.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Littleton?
Beyond checking for a valid Colorado license posted visibly, focus on these local specifics: **Safety & Security:** Ask about their specific protocols for severe weather (like hailstorms or wildfires common in Colorado) and pick-up/drop-off procedures. **Staff:** Inquire about staff tenure (low turnover is a good sign) and ongoing training requirements per Colorado's professional development system, called PDIS. **Environment:** Observe if children have access to safe outdoor play areas, considering Littleton's variable weather, and if indoor spaces are clean and well-organized. **Communication:** Ask how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles) and their policy on reporting incidents, which is mandated by the state. Finally, trust your instincts about the warmth of the interactions between staff and children.