The Best Daycare Centers in Loma, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Loma. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Loma
The Garden School
Independent
The Garden School offers a nature-based, hands-on educational approach that emphasizes outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. Their curriculum focuses on project-based learning, social-emotional development, and individualized instruction. Certified teachers with early childhood education credentials maintain low student-teacher ratios. The campus features extensive outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. What makes this center exceptional is their commitment to holistic child development through outdoor exploration and their strong emphasis on community involvement and environmental education.
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Primrose School of Grand Junction
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Grand Junction provides a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including secured entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified early childhood educators deliver age-appropriate programs that focus on literacy, math, science, and character development. The facility includes dedicated age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs. Their standout features include structured daily schedules, regular parent communication through an app, and emphasis on building strong foundational skills.
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Bright Horizons at St. Mary's Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at St. Mary's Hospital offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play areas. Special programs include STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. What distinguishes this center is their strong focus on health and safety protocols, comprehensive staff training, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the medical community and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Loma, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Loma, Colorado?
In Loma and the surrounding Mesa County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $700 to $950 per month. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Colorado cities like Denver or Boulder, but availability can be limited due to the smaller number of providers. Many local home-based daycares may offer competitive rates. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for qualifying families.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Loma, and what are Colorado's key regulations?
All licensed childcare providers in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the official "Colorado Shines" licensee search tool online. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, and mandatory training in topics like CPR, First Aid, and prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome. In Loma, providers may be licensed as Family Child Care Homes (serving up to 12 children) or Child Care Centers. Always confirm the provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Loma, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the limited number of childcare facilities in a small community like Loma, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some popular local providers or centers affiliated with the School District 51 (Mesa County Valley) preschool program may have waitlists that extend for a year. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Loma?
Parents in Loma typically have three main options: Licensed Family Child Care Homes, which are small, home-based settings often offering a flexible, family-like environment. There are also a few licensed Child Care Centers, though you may need to look at nearby communities like Fruita or Grand Junction for more center-based options. Finally, there are Colorado-licensed Preschool Programs, which may be offered through local elementary schools or community organizations and often operate on a part-day, school-year schedule. Due to Loma's rural nature, informal care arrangements with neighbors or nannies are also common, but these may not be licensed or regulated.
What local resources or organizations in Mesa County can help me find and evaluate childcare in Loma?
The primary resource is the Mesa County Early Childhood Council. They offer a "Child Care Resource and Referral" service that can provide personalized lists of licensed providers in Loma and the surrounding area based on your specific needs. Additionally, the "Colorado Shines" quality rating system (administered by the state) is a crucial tool for evaluation; a higher rating (Level 2-5) indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards. For school-age care, connecting with Loma Elementary School or District 51 can provide information on before/after-school programs. Local parent groups on social media platforms are also valuable for gathering personal recommendations and experiences.